Drivers and members of the Uitenhage and District Taxi Association protested in the Sundays River Valley on Wednesday.
Scores of taxi drivers blocked busy streets in and around Nqweba, formerly known as Kirkwood, on Wednesday to demand that the potholed main road be repaired.
The protest, led by Uitenhage and District Taxi Association (UDTA) and South African Civic Organisation (SANCO), also brought morning traffic on routes to Jansenville, Addo, Kariega, Gqeberha and Kliplaat to a standstill.
The blockade started at 5am and ended around 2:20pm. Night shift citrus workers were transported home, but the morning shift was unable to report for work.
Police spokesperson Majola Nkohli said, “Several minibus taxis were used to block main access routes to the area, which have disrupted commuters and other road users.”
Various policing units helped to divert motorists.
Nkohli also said, “What is believed to be a splinter group attempted to close some businesses, but the situation was diffused by the Public Order Policing Service. Two people were taken in for questioning but were later released. At this stage, no criminal cases were opened.”
UDTA spokesperson Lubabalo Vesele said they have been complaining about the terrible state of the roads for about a year. Despite several meetings and promises made, the condition of the roads remains unchanged.
“Initially, we didn’t want to strike because it is going to affect paying our taxi instalments,” he said.
Sundays River Valley Mayor Solethu Lucas addressed the protesters. He had received complaints that citrus farm workers had not been able to make it to work due to the protest.
“The majority of people in this municipality depend on citrus farms. They did not come to work because their buses were blocked.”
He said the road in question belonged to the Eastern Cape transport department.
Spokesperson for the department Unathi Binqose said the main road from Nqweba to Moses Mabida township “falls short of the standard we aim to maintain”.
“SANRAL has been approached to undertake the necessary upgrades as part of community benefit commitments linked to the major Addo project currently underway. Engagements are still ongoing. We are not yet in a position to confirm the commencement date or budget for the project.”
The taxi drivers are expected to resume operations and will meet with officials next week.
Public Order Police arrived to disperse protesters blocking traffic.
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