Barkly West road open after protest

On Thursday morning, taxi operators in Barkly West took a stand by shutting down the R31, voicing their opposition to unlicensed taxi services.

This action caused a significant traffic delay stretching from Barkly West to Delportshoop, much to the dismay of travellers.

In response, the Barkly West Taxi Association members made their way to the MEC's office at the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison. Sergeant Timothy Sam, a spokesperson for SAPS, confirmed that the roadblock has been removed and the route is clear.

Rennie Andrias, representing the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, reported that a meeting took place with various stakeholders, including Santaco, SAPS, Dikgatlong Local municipality, Sol Plaatje local municipal traffic, and the taxi operators from Barkly West, in Kimberley.

The purpose was to address the ongoing issue. He assured that "The R31 is open and traffic is flowing. We are awaiting a list of the alleged unauthorised operators from the taxi operators, which we will then validate."

Furthermore, Andrias mentioned that they have directed the traffic authorities of Sol Plaatje local municipality to intensify their law enforcement efforts to deter illegal operations.

"We have also called upon SAPS to bolster these law enforcement operations."

He also noted that Rodney Pieterse, the HOD of the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison, is arranging an urgent meeting with the municipal manager of Sol Plaatje, SAPS, and representatives from the taxi industry to deliberate on law enforcement issues.