13 Jul 2016

The Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen, has told Parliament that his ministry has no plans to build a combi and taxi rank at Boatle. 

He said the council had not made a submission for approval under National Development Plan 11 due to other competing needs and budgetary constraints.

Mr Van Der Westhuizen however said in future basing on resource availability and district priorities, the project might be considered through other means such as Public Private Partnerships.

“The current utilisation of this particular space in the manner that is being used, as drop off/pick up point for combis and taxis, is not in anticipation of the establishment of a formal bus rank in that spot but rather an informal utilisation of a public space, “he said.

Furthermore, he said the ministry through South East Council has not found it necessary to initiate any action as yet because the usage of this space is deemed to be squatting and the users are expected to exercise due care to the public that they were servicing.

Ramotswa, Member of Parliament, Mr Samuel Rantuana has asked the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development when he will build a proper combi and taxi rank at Boatle as taxi and combi operators just park their vehicles randomly by the side of the road and if he is aware that this has a potential to cause accidents as there are no signs to guide the entrances and exits to and off the road for these vehicles.ENDS