Cape Organisation for the Democratic Taxi Association (CODETA) spokesperson Makhosandile Tumana described the reopening of these taxi routes and lanes as a breath of fresh air. He said they had been waiting for such a moment for a long time.
“Everything is back to normal. We are pleased with this new development. Our commuters can feel free to utilise our transport again. All the routes are open. The 30 days that were assigned to us are over. We are looking forward to working with our commuters,” said Tumana.
The affected routes were:
• 611 Khayelitsha – Somerset West
• 43 Lwandle – Khayelitsha
• M18 Mfuleni – Somerset West
• X19 Nomzamo – Mfuleni
• AA20 Khayelitsha – Somerset West CBD via Vergelegen Medical Clinic
• AA21 Khayelitsha – Sitari Village Mall
• R96 Khayelitsha – Somerset West via Somerset Mall
• R97 Khayelitsha – Waterstone Mall – Somerset West
• YEX63 Mfuleni – Somerset West and
• YEX64 Mfuleni – Strand via Somerset West.
The closed lanes at ranks were Lane 1 – Khayelitsha (Nonkqubela & Makhaza), Lane 1 – Mfuleni (new & old facilities), Lane 2 – Somerset West Interchange, Lane 4 – Nomzamo taxi rank, Lane 4 – Lwandle taxi rank.
The routes were closed from Wednesday, 17 September until Friday, 17 October.
The closures were being implemented under Section 91 of the National Land Transport Act (2009) and applied specifically to routes and lanes in Mfuleni, Somerset West, Khayelitsha, Nomzamo, and Lwandle.
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Sileku said after careful consideration of all the representations received, he decided not to issue a second closure notice. He said the closure notice he had given lapsed at midnight on Friday, 17 October. He said the taxi associations resumed their operations on Saturday, 18 October in line with their current operating licences.
“We have seen the impact of the extraordinary measures which resulted in the restoration of calm in the areas. This wasn’t an easy decision but one taken to protect the rights and the needs of the commuters and is part of an ongoing effort to reach a sustainable and peaceful solution with the two associations and all affected parties,” said Sileku.
He stated that the law enforcement agencies will be monitoring the situation on the ground closely to ensure the safety of the commuters and broader public.
CATA has not yet responded to enquiries from NovaNews.
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