Lehae taxi-rank in Johannesburg is set to be revamped before the end of June next year. This follows the vandalism of the taxi rank, which was triggered by the halting of the taxi rank, because its allocation was not finalised. Vandals have left the taxi-rank in a terrible state, several doors and windows have been broken out and stolen.
The taxi rank is under the City of Joburg Property Company SOC Ltd (JPC) and Cities Transport Department. In an exclusive interview the Executive Director for transport, Jeff Ngobo told Gauteng News that plans are under-way to revamp the taxi rank.
“We are in a process of doing repairs to the facility, this should be done before the end of June 2021. Preparatory work is currently undertaken for the appointment of service providers for the repairs of the rank,”
“The project to repair the facility will be labor based and this will give various job opportunities to community members. There are engagements with various stakeholders to operationalize the facility, this will help bring taxis closer to community members” he said.
Meanwhile Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMP) spokesman Xolani Fihla said that they will deploy security to protect the Lehae taxi-rank after revamp.
“Once the revamping has begun the contractors must appoint a private security company to guard the facility. When they are done with the revamping, then the JMPD will deploy security to guard the taxi-rank in Lehae.
Lehae residents claimed that the taxi-rank is in the wrong place, because it is located next to the park and tavern. The Media Liaison Specialist: Mayoral Communications, Rich Hlatshwayo added and respond to the claims that the taxi rank is in the wrong location.
“The site was identified in consultation with community members through the ward councilor and the regional office. The tavern was established after the construction of the rank,” he added
