Democratic Alliance ward 35 councillor, Bradly Singh, has firmly backed uMhlanga residents in opposing the proposed taxi rank project by EThekwini Transport Association (ETA) to be built on 31 Autumn Drive in uMhlanga.
The DA states that the location has been deemed entirely unsuitable for such a development.
Ward 35 and DA councillor, Bradly Singh, said: “The residents of uMhlanga have made their stance clear: this proposed taxi rank is ill-conceived and would negatively impact traffic flow, safety, and local businesses. The sheer volume of objections reflects the community’s united rejection of this plan. If the City ignores the will of the people, we will have no choice but to escalate this matter legally.”
Key concerns mentioned by the Democratic Alliance include traffic congestion, as Autumn Drive is already a high-traffic zone, safety risks, and lack of consultation with the city’s opaque process disregarding proper public participation.
Responding to all the concerns raised by the residents and councillor, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, Gugu Sisilana, said: “The City acknowledges the concerns raised. We assure all stakeholders that the Municipality has followed due process and has submitted a special consent application to the Development Planning Unit. We are currently awaiting a decision from Town Planning and remain committed to engaging further with all relevant parties throughout the process.”
She added that the municipality is responsible for enhancing accessibility and mobility for both private and public transport users within the city.
“The northern area has seen rapid growth in development, and the need for both private and public facilities. Since this area is a major employment node, it has generated a need for public transport as a mode.
This project, which is part of our city-wide planning process, aims to provide a reliable transport hub for residents, workers, and visitors, thus reducing congestion and supporting the local economy. By improving public transport infrastructure, we seek to ensure that uMhlanga remains an inclusive and vibrant destination. The identification and need for a public transport facility within the uMhlanga area is part of the normal town planning process to ascertain whether such a site can be used for such purposes,” she explained.
