Since its inception at the beginning of 2012, Naledi Transport Centre in Wepener has become a hive of activity for locals and visitors alike. The transport Centre was officially handed over to taxi operators by the Department of Police, Roads and Transport in April 2012.
In consultation with the Department of Police, Roads and Transport and Naledi local Municipality, Nkulu Civil started construction of the transport Centre on 8 January 2010. In total the project cost R8.1 million and the community of Naledi benefitted immensely from it as it has created employment for people around that area. In total 56 people from poor backgrounds were trained and employed in the project. Their enthusiasm and diligent executing of their tasks ensured that it is one of the biggest and successful projects in Naledi local municipality.
The layout of the transport Centre has been modernised and now boasts parking bays for more than 80 taxis. It is conveniently located near the shopping Centre where people can easily access essential services.
It is also under cover with improved ablution facilities, seating areas for commuters, offices, a boardroom and stalls where informal traders are selling their goods. The latter is a sustainable income spin-off of the project and contributes to community empowerment because many of the hawkers were not working because they did not have a safe place to trade their wares.
The transport Centre is also close to Lesotho border post (Van Rooyens’ Border Gate) and it helped to relieve the congestion experienced during the December holidays and it is envisaged that the same will apply during upcoming long weekends and the Easter Holidays.
“We are thankful and satisfied because the new Transport Centre has improved our lives and helped to develop our community” said Ms. Liza Lejoha who is a commuter from Hoogte Township in Wepener. She said many unemployed people got the opportunity to learn a skill and implement their new-found knowledge. For others, the project brought hope and comfort as it makes commuting so much easier. This was just the right injection for our community!”
Enquiries:
Zolile Walaza
Cell: 082 410 6516
Saki Mohono
Cell: 082 385 5600
