MILLIONS have been spent to build two taxi ranks in this kasi, but the ranks are not used.
Residents alleged that one of these taxi ranks has been turned into a chilling spot by a "tenderpreneur", and security guards occupy the other.
They claimed that the tenderpreneurs drink, braai and "entertain" women at the old taxi rank.
Residents complained that the taxi ranks were built in the spots that are not central to commuters and they believe that it was just a way of looting government funds.
The recently built taxi rank, which is at Bluegum in Duduza, Ekurhuleni is alleged to have cost the taxpayer about R30 million and was erected in 2013.
And to this day, it's standing empty.
A security company has been hired to guard the property from vandalism, and so far, the company seems to be doing a good job as the taxi rank is still intact.
Community leader Khehla Mabote and member of EFF said about R30 million has been spent on the new taxi rank.
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"People say this taxi rank is far from them. To get here, they have to walk a distance or spend extra money. They say the government could have diverted the money to better projects that will advance the community. This was clearly a way for ANC tenderpreneurs to loot the government funds," he said.
Kasi people and taxi drivers blame the government for wasteful expenditures. They said they were not consulted about the location of the taxi rank and where it would be convenient for everyone.
Resident Raphael Mtshwene said: "We find it difficult to understand why they chose the location of the taxi rank without doing proper research. The location of that taxi rank would result in us paying more money."
On the other hand, taxi drivers said removing them from Duduza extension 15, where they have an informal taxi rank, would mean taking bread out of their mouths.
"This is where people converge, and it is easy access to commuters. If we are forced to move, this is going to cause a war over routes as taxi drivers from Tsakane will invade our territory," said taxi driver Muzi Ndlovu.
The old taxi rank in Mabena Street was also abandoned by taximen and commuters because it was not central.
Daily Sun visited the second taxi rank and found people chilling and drinking, with their expensive cars parked nearby.
And they were not happy when the SunTeam took pictures of the rank.
One of them even said Daily Sun might expose that he was with another woman at this taxi rank, which would ruin his marriage.
"Why should you come and take pictures here? You are exposing us. We have enemies everywhere," the other one said.
They insisted that the SunTeam delete the photos.
Ekurhuleni municipal spokesman Zweli Dlamini said the rank was completed and handed over to the residents by the former mayor during his tenure.
"The rank was built on the space allocated by the municipality, which is on the area's map," he said.
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