The City is strengthening its efforts to protect residents using public transport during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The recently launched vehicle sanitisation programme was extended to include Abomalume learner transporters during a launch at the uMlazi Mega City Taxi Rank on 12 February.
This was done ahead of the majority of learners returning to school on 15 February.
EThekwini Transport Authority (ETA) in partnership with eThekwini Metro Taxi Council (EMTC) and other Municipal units joined hands to drive the Covid-19 awareness and vehicle sanitisation programme forward. The programme aims to see the daily sanitisation of about 5 000 minibus taxis across the City.
Leading the extension of the programme was Chairperson of the Human Settlements and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Thanduxolo Sabelo, Senior Manager at ETA Babalwa Nyoka together with EMTC representatives Yusuf Khalid and Sifiso Mthethwa.
Councillor Sabelo encouraged all stakeholders involved to continue working in solidarity during the pandemic.
“We have committed ourselves to fumigate about 5 000 taxis daily. The City is determined to ensure that all types of public transport ferrying people remain safe. Government is also working around the clock to ensure that vaccines are secured in the near future to assist in the fight against Covid-19. Today, we will be distributing masks, hand sanitisers and placing stickers written ‘no mask, no entry’ on each taxi. We will also distribute pamphlets on safety government protocols."
He pleaded with minibus drivers and passengers to continue following government protocol and guidelines.
"Let us refrain from thinking that this virus doesn’t exist, because it does. We are at war with an invisible enemy that is lethal. Individuals are spreading myths and lies about 5G towers. There is no relationship between 5G and the coronavirus. I urge everyone to protect infrastructure which aims to improve technology, which will ease the technological lives of all residents,” said Councillor Sabelo.
He said the request by Abomalume to be included in the sanitisation programme had been heard.
“It is fundamental that we include them in the project to protect school children utilising this form of transport.”
Nyoka confirmed that the passenger contact tracing app has been approved and is ready to use to gauge how many taxis have been sanitised. The app will also establish the number of passengers travelling in the taxi.
Mthethwa said they are very pleased with the work that has been done by the Municipality which is protecting both residents and members of the taxi industry.
“We are still negotiating with City officials to extend the programme beyond March,” he added.