Taxi operators up in arms over road
OLD eShowe Road Taxi Association members blockaded a bridge over the P230 with logs, burning tyres and rocks, demanding the attention of Department of Transport officials about road upgrades.
Scores of motorists driving to eShowe and Empangeni were forced to use the R34 via Nkwalini to reach their destinations.
Taxi Association Secretary, Dudu Zulu, said they have been begging the Department of Transport to upgrade the R158, which links the Ndlangubo and KwaDlangezwa areas.
‘We have been waiting for a long time. We raised our grievances with the MEC for Transport, Mxolisi Kaunda, before the 2016 local government elections, but nothing has happened to date. That’s why we decided to stage this protest today, so they can tell us when they are planning to upgrade our roads,’ said Zulu.
‘We are in business and we can’t stop rendering services to commuters, but our vehicles are being damaged because of this road,’ said Zulu.
‘It is very old and the only person who used to help us was the late iNkosi Mpiyezintombi, who ensured the road was passable,’ Zulu said.
The taxi operators were supported by community members.
Police negotiated with protesters to at least open one lane while waiting for the Department of Transport officials to arrive.
Attempts to get comment from department spokesperson Kwanele Ncalane were unsuccessful.
King Cetshwayo Police Cluster spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose, said the taxi operators dispersed peacefully after meeting with an official from the uMlalazi Municipality.