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Taxi Operators Pledge to Safeguard Road Infrastructure
In response to the recent illegal strike by metro workers, a proactive collaboration has emerged among three local taxi associations to ensure the protection and upkeep of their vital routes. United by a common goal, the Mamelodi Amalgamated Taxi Association (Mata) and the Mamelodi Local and Long Distance Taxi Association (MALLDTA) have forged a pact to safeguard their routes against the backdrop of these disruptions.
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With a shared commitment to maintaining the integrity of their routes, these associations have taken a multifaceted approach. Foremost among their initiatives is the undertaking to repair potholes along their streets, filling a void left by the strike-affected metro’s inability to do so. Their declaration further illustrates the resolve to counteract the effects of the strike to prevent any destructive protest actions that might compromise their routes. Specifically, they aim to thwart burning tires and road barricades, thus safeguarding the pathways integral to their operations.
A notable triumph of these collective efforts is the recent restoration of Tsamaya Road, a thoroughfare beleaguered by more than a thousand potholes. This accomplishment attests to the dedication and collaborative spirit of these associations.
Mata’s Chairman, Ben Maredi, and MALLDTA’s Public Relations Officer, Mpho Mokgari, have asserted their shared commitment to route protection and outlined comprehensive measures to fulfil their objective. A contingency plan has been devised to guarantee the safety of both commuters and drivers. This includes deploying a vigilant monitoring team tasked with patrolling the routes and proactively preventing any potential harm caused by protests. This dedicated team, often called the “pirate squad,” undertakes these daily risks to ensure the security of those traversing these routes.
The impetus for initiating this vigilance can be traced back a few months when the condition of Tsamaya Road from Phase 3 to Mahube deteriorated significantly. Potholes plagued the route, inviting constant complaints from drivers and passengers alike. The adverse effects were numerous – motorists grappled with navigating the road safely due to the prevalence of potholes. This menace took a toll on tires and led to extensive traffic congestion. The degradation of the road further intensified as community members channelled their grievances regarding service delivery through destructive actions on Tsamaya Road.
Amid these challenges, both associations reached a crucial consensus to collectively safeguard their routes collectively, ensuring the safety of both drivers and passengers. Maredi underscores the associations’ devotion to their community, aspiring to promote positive change and cultivate an enduring bond with their constituents.
In their quest for road maintenance, the associations pursued avenues for communication with local authorities. Consultations with local councillors revealed that the government was slated to address the road conditions, albeit at an uncertain future date. To expedite the process, the taxi associations escalated their concerns by submitting a memorandum to the office of the MEC for transport. Meetings followed to address the issue and formulate a strategic plan for the road’s repair, culminating in an official launch in May.
Mokgari, while advocating for the right to peaceful protest, fervently appeals to the community’s sense of responsibility. He emphasises that damaging roads through acts of vandalism ultimately detrimentally impact various sectors, transcending the realm of taxi drivers and affecting the broader populace, including students and workers.
The detrimental consequences of illegal protests extend beyond the taxi industry, severely hampering vital services such as ambulances, hearses, clinics, and schools. In light of these repercussions, Mokgari urges the community to collaborate, asserting that their collective voice has the potential to resonate with the government.
Ultimately, the efforts of these taxi associations are symbolic of their commitment to their industry and the broader community. Their unwavering dedication is reflected in the monitoring teams, patrollers, and the “pirate squad,” who diligently risk their safety to protect the roads. This collaborative endeavour serves as a testament to their determination to ensure the safety and vitality of their routes, irrespective of external challenges.
Source: Taxi operators vow to protect road infrastructure
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Photo: Supplied by Rekord
