The recent closure of a gravel road next to Kayamandi, which has been used for more than three decades, has sparked concern among residents and the local taxi association.
Apparently part of an effort to expand the perpetually overcrowded Kayamandi Clinic, the decision to close has sparked dissatisfaction particularly from the Kayamandi Taxi Association, whose members feel they were not adequately consulted.
Stellenbosch Municipal spokesperson Stuart Grobbelaar said the gravel route used by some taxi operators in the area was not a road. “This is in no way an official municipal road of any sort. The municipality did not close this route. The Kayamandi Clinic is currently undergoing expansion/construction and therefore the route can no longer accommodate traffic.”
The association’s chairperson, Theo Mbeshu, voiced his surprise, saying taxi drivers were stunned. “The abrupt closure has forced us to adopt a new, less efficient route. This rerouting has significantly increased our fuel expenses due to the necessity of repeatedly driving down the same streets to deliver passengers.”
Sandra Maritz, spokesperson for Western Cape Government Health and Wellness, said communities across the province were growing, and as part of the department’s commitment to responding to their needs it started planning to expand Kayamandi Clinic.
“In the early stages of planning the department consulted the local municipality. The vacant plot of land next to the clinic was identified for the expansion, and after various engagements in which such role-players as the municipality, taxi associations and members of the community, it was agreed the clinic could be expanded to this area. After multiple engagements, and with all parties in agreement, the department proceeded to expand its fencing to make the vacant plot of land part of the existing premises of the clinic. This is the first step in preparation for expanding the clinic to the benefit of the community.”
The Kayamandi Taxi Association felt its contribution to the community was not being taken seriously. It said it had previously had a meeting with a municipal representative, one Mr Roskoe, to discuss implementing an alternative route, but so far there has been no response.
The association has now issued a 14-day ultimatum for a response, threatening unspecified action if none is received. It said there were initial promises from the municipality to develop an alternative route near the gravel road, but these promises seem to have fallen through.
Consequently, taxi commuters now face the daunting task of walking a considerable distance in the dark before reaching their homes.
Passengers living in Zone O and upper Thubelitsha are particularly affected by this change. Without the gravel road taxis can no longer drop them close to their homes.
One such passenger, Nosive Dulani, who commutes from Bellville every day, told Eikestadnuus she felt unsafe where the taxis now drop her off, especially now that it’s winter.
Maritz said one of the points of discussion during community engagements was the fact that while the plot of land was vacant some vehicles started to use it as a road.
“To make sure vehicles could still access different parts of the neighbourhood with ease it was agreed in the meetings that informal structures erected on a paved road on the other side of the clinic would be moved so that the official road could be used by vehicles.
“Unfortunately, this has not happened yet,” Maritz pointed out. “We remain in close contact with the role-players and will ask the municipality to prioritise the opening of the official paved road as was agreed.
“When the clinic has been expanded there will be more consultation rooms, and members of the community can expect a more pleasant experience when going to the clinic for their health-care needs.
“At the moment approximately 4 000 people rely on the clinic’s services every month. We are excited about the positive impact the expanded clinic will have on the community, and ask the community to help us protect the premises and the healthcare service.”
The chairman further expressed concern that this may lead to a conflict of interest as commuters may start choosing alternative modes of transport, such as Uber, which could result in decreased profits for the minibus taxi operators.
Ward 15 councillor Elliot Masimini informed Eikestadnuus he was aware of the gravel-road closure.
He confirmed municipal representative Vusi Mpotololo was engaged in discussions with the Kayamandi Taxi Association and other relevant stakeholders to inform them about the road closure.
