CHRIS Hani District Municipality (CHDM) executive mayor Kholiswa Vimbayo handed over the phase 1 Engcobo taxi rank on Friday.
Vimbayo said CHDM had spent R10 million, Engcobo Local Municipality R3 million and cooperative governance and traditional affairs R350 000 on completing the rank.
The taxi rank was commissioned last year with the aim of beautifying the town and to decrease traffic congestion.
The community members benefited from the 85 job opportunities in which youth and women were included. The residents were also give skills empowerment.
Vimbayo said, “The construction work of the taxi rank includes paved parking bays, offices, ablution facilities which accommodate the disabled and vendor stalls. The taxi rank will benefit taxi commuters and drivers who will now receive shelter with proper parking space. Hawkers will also get shelter to sell their products in a safe and convenient environment.”
The CHDM has budgeted R6 million for the upcoming phase 2 of the project due to start shortly.
