The MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison Mxolisi Kaunda has today officially unveiled the state-of-the-art bus facility, constructed by the Umlalazi Bus Services who are the beneficiaries of the Department’s bus subsidy programme.
In line with its Radical Socio-Economic Transformation Programme, the department awarded a contract for subsidized bus service to a company run by taxi owners who have formed a bus transport co-operative in the Umlalazi Local Municipality.
The co-operative, which consists of Gingindlovu Taxi Association, King Dinuzulu Taxi Association and Eshowe & District Taxi Association, is operating in eight routes and currently owns a fleet of 14 buses.
The R3.5 million facility, unveiled by the MEC today boasts a bus depot and a mechanics section. The facility has also created 38 job opportunities for locals.
Kaunda commended the members of the co-operative for taking advantage of the government’s strategy for transformation of subsidised public transport contracts to promote inclusion of the previously disadvantaged African operators in the mainstream of the economy.
“This is one initiative that is supportive of government’s Radical Socio-Economic Transformation agenda. We are pleased that this financial year 2018/19 we have invested about R257.9 million in 11 subsidised bus companies operating 220 buses around the province,” said Kaunda.
He added that the department was committed to being responsive to the development needs of the people and be proactive in identifying entrepreneurial opportunities that became available.
Meanwhile, MEC Kaunda will tomorrow officially open the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) and Motor Licences service offices in Mbazwana.
Previously this unit was known as the Public Transport Board, with offices centrally placed in Pietermaritzburg. This practically meant that taxi and bus operators from all corners of the province had to travel long distances to submit applications. This created many challenges which resulted in delays in processing of permit and uncollected operating licenses amongst other things.
The department deemed it fit to decentralize these services to ensure efficiency and that they are closer to operators. This process resulted in the opening of other PRE offices across the province in areas such as Port Shepstone, Ladysmith and Empangeni. The new Mbazwana offices will service operators from Umhlabuyalingana, Jozini, Mkhuze, Ngwavuma and surrounding areas.
MEC Kaunda unveils facility for subsidised bus service https://t.co/8CUJS5n8Qo #ArriveAlive #KZNTransport pic.twitter.com/h6bl4Dzz9W
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 18, 2018