The main taxi association in Mafube local municipality has detailed how its members have high operating costs due to the poor conditions of road in area.
Andrias Chalane, a member of the executive in the Greater Frankfort Taxi Association, said the potholes on the roads have become unbearable for the sector.
Two months ago, the taxi industry held a shutdown not allowing anyone to move around Frankfort and the surrounding townships. The shutdown drew the attention of Free State premier Sisi Ntombela, who promised that their concerns will be addressed.
“If things do not improve, we are going to have a bigger shutdown, which will even stop trucks that are going to nearby Vrede. The conditions of the road are killing our business,” said Chalane.
He said every month a taxi owner has to change tyres at least two times with each tyre costing more than R1,000.
“If you buy a new Kombi here, in just three weeks you will start noticing that the wheel alignment is compromised because of the potholes. Wheel alignment can cost from R300. You still have to deal with the shocks, which are affected by the bad conditions of the roads. Our government has really failed us as an industry,” Chalane said.
He said they also want the municipality to address taxis that operate illegally, taking commuters from Frankfort to surrounding townships without required permits.
When Sowetan drove around Frankfort and its surrounding townships, the roads were a mess. Mamello, the biggest township, does not have tarred roads. Other townships such Phomolong and Butayi have roads so bad that it is difficult to see that they were once tarred.
Taxi operators and residents complained that on rainy days it is difficult to move around the municipality.
“In the townships it is just mud, you cannot move at all. We really need our government to address this,” Chalane said.
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