Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela earlier today (11 August) handed over the first phase of the Vereeniging Intermodal facility to the people of Vereeniging and surrounding areas in the Sedibeng District Municipality.
Phase 1 of the project, undertaken at a cost of R30 million, commenced in December 2022. Work completed consisted of refurbishing the existing taxi rank to include new hawker stalls, loading shelters and ablution facilities.
The intermodal facility upgrading project is in partnership with Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), Sedibeng District Municipality and Emfuleni Local Municipality. The Department had appointed the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) as the implementing agent for the delivery of the intermodal facility.
Speaking at the handing over, MEC Diale-Tlabela said the handing over of the taxi rank is critical in turning Vereeniging into an Economic Development Hub and also serve a symbolic of the delivery of the commitment by government to fast-track the delivery of road infrastructure in the province.
“The Department has committed itself to deliver transport infrastructure projects to restore and grow the economy, provide access to economic and much-needed job opportunities to the people of the province,” said MEC.
The MEC urged the community and the taxi industry to take care of the facility and avoid vandalising the property. “I would also like to urge everyone to take good care of this property and avoid vandalism, especially when protesting. This facility is here to service them,” the MEC remarked.
The MEC further added that the intermodal facility will go a long way in improving the lives of township people by supporting local businesses and informal trading industry in Vereeniging.
The facility is planned to be expanded into a modernised intermodal facility incorporating retail space, long-distance buses and train station, thus promoting government’s priorities of improving the standard of living in townships and improving economic growth and recovery. It will further facilitate the provision of a safe, accessible, convenient public transport system.
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