In a significant step towards improving public transportation in Region G, the City of Johannesburg celebrated the official launch of the Vlakfontein Super Stop Facility.
The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Development Planning, Cllr Eunice Mgcina, the MMC for Transport, Cllr Kenny Kunene, and the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) CEO, Themba Mathibe, were at the launch.
Undertaken by the JDA, the R32 million facility was developed on behalf of the City’s Transport Department with a vision to enhance public transport accessibility and improve the commuting experience for the residents of Vlakfontein and surrounding areas. It marks a critical advancement in Johannesburg’s public transport landscape, underscoring the City’s commitment to providing safe, convenient, and efficient transit options.
The launch event, led by the Regional Director for Region G, Mickey Padiachee, took place on Wednesday, 30 October, aligning with the City’s broader Transport Month celebrations.
Joining the occasion were key stakeholders including the Chairperson of Gauteng South African National Taxi Council, Abram Mashishi, Acting Executive Director of the Transport Department Benny Makgoga, and members of the Ennerdale Taxi Association, all of whom play a pivotal role in Johannesburg's transport sector.
The JDA designed the Vlakfontein Super Stop Facility for efficient pick-ups and drop-offs. The facility enhances road safety for transport users and commuters by addressing commuters' needs, ensuring universal access, and meeting all safety requirements in the public transport hub. It will serve commuters who travel to work, educational institutions, and various public amenities in and around Vlakfontein.
Located on Freedom Drive, an area with high pedestrian and taxi traffic, the facility includes a guard house, office buildings, ablution facilities, ranking areas, walkways, and taxi holding areas. External works feature landscaping, stormwater drainage, sewer and water reticulation, and boundary fencing.
Additionally, the JDA has upgraded the public environment on main streets leading to the facility. This upgrade aims to better accommodate taxis, traders, pedestrians, and commuters, creating a safe, clean, and attractive environment that enhances the overall functionality of the area.
MMC Mgcina emphasised JDA's objective of delivering this public infrastructure project through labour-intensive methods, promoting job creation and income generation via an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) approach.
“The JDA has implemented this facility and ensured that the community benefitted from the construction. We had a total of 14 local SMMEs and 8 local labourers who were appointed, with the total SMME expenditure exceeding R5 million,” she said.
“The Vlakfontein Super Stop Facility stands as a testament to the City’s focus on strengthening the transport infrastructure in Region G, further bridging the gap between communities and essential services through strategic development,” MMC Mgcina noted.
Cllr Kunene emphasised the importance of establishing more facilities to further support the taxi industry as an integral part of the city and enhance service delivery for our citizens.
31/10/2024
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