Lentswe Klerksdorp - The taxi rank, next to the N12, turned into an ugly and muddled site with illegal vendors and structures. This week, the Matlosana Municipality rounded up some help from SAPS and tore down and removed most illegal structures. “Despite repeat warnings, vendors refused to remove the structures, which were not only illegal but also contributed to the deterioration of the town’s cleanliness and aesthetic appeal,’’ said Ntswaki Makgetha, municipal spokesperson.
According to her, the taxi rank is an eye-sore and not in line with the municipality’s commitment to maintain a “clean, safe, and healthy environment for all residents and visitors’’.
She added that the municipality will provide affected vendors with a suitable place where they can trade once they are done with the process of cleaning the town. “This alternative placement will ensure that vendors can continue to operate their businesses while also adhering to the municipality’s by-laws and regulations,’’ she said.
Executive Mayor Fikile Mahlophe apologised for the inconvenience caused to some vendors whose structures were broken down. “However, we are committed to finding alternative solutions that balance the needs of all stakeholders while maintaining the integrity of our town.”
