Siphelele Nketo
THE construction of a public transport pound in KwaBhaca (Mount Frere) has been completed according to the Umzimvubu Local Municipality. The facility marks a significant step towards strengthening regulations, enforcement and safety of public transport operations within the area.
The newly completed facility was built in phases, costing the municipality R6 million.
The structure can accommodate 40 vehicles. Once the facility has been officially registered, the municipality says it will be in a stronger position to lawfully impound vehicles found to be operating without valid permits, violating route allocations or otherwise contravening applicable public transport laws.
“Once officially registered and operational, the public transport pound will not only strengthen the municipality’s capacity to enforce compliance within the public transport sector, but will also contribute to revenue generation through applicable impoundment, storage and related fees in line with approved municipal tariffs and relevant legislation. The facility therefore represents an investment in both effective law enforcement and the municipality’s broader efforts to improve its financial sustainability while ensuring that public transport operators comply with the law,” expressed Mayor Zukiswa Ndevu.
She said the completion of the pound was a demonstration of the municipality’s commitment to strengthen regulatory capacity and create an environment where public services are delivered within the framework of safety, accountability and compliance.
