Investing in safer public transport

Northam – As part of the many initiatives by the government in the fight against COVID-19, MEC for Transport and Community Safety Mavhungu Lerule-Makhanya embarked on a disinfection initiative at Northam Taxi Rank to help curb the spread of COVID-19 in taxis.

The MEC considers taxi drivers and operators as essential service workers and appealed to taxi drivers to always wear masks and have their own sanitiser as they frequently exchange money with commuters.These precautionary measures will assist in curbing the spread as taxi ranks are regarded as super spreaders of COVID-19. Hawkers trading at taxi ranks must also wear masks at all times and ensure that they sanitise often. Taxis must always be clean and proper disinfectant must be used to clean and sanatise taxis

“Ensuring that taxis are disinfected and sanitised, can help save lives,” the MEC reiterated.
The MEC was accompanied by Community Services chairperson, councillor Sanny Ndlhovu, Ward 8 councillor Tshegofatso Ramoabi, SANTACO chairperson of Waterberg District Taxi Council MA Mogale, Northam and Regorogile Taxi Associations members, officials, taxi drivers and owners, commuters and hawkers.

On behalf of Thabazimbi Local Municipality’s mayor, councillor Sanny Ndlhovu thanked the department for the good work they are doing. “We are grateful for the support you provided in the fight against COVID-19 to ensure that those that rely on public transport are safe. As we all know, the vast majority of our communities are relying on public transport on a daily basis and therefore it is vital that taxis are safe.” 

The MEC distributed 25-litre containers of disinfectant and spray tanks to be shared amongst the Taxi Associations around the TLM area.