Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo unveiled a multimillion-rand public transport facility opposite the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto on Thursday.
Termed Baralink, the final phase of the R141-million facility was completed in June this year, following a five-year construction period of other phases.
”Opening the Baralink brings us another step closer to our objective of providing the people of Johannesburg, especially in the south, with quality and dependable infrastructure and services that continuously improve the quality of their lives,” Masondo said.
Fitted with CCTV cameras, the facility has parking bays for 535 taxis, which are also used during non-peak hours. It also accommodates 20 buses and 60 long-distance taxis that travel as far as parts of the Free State.
For short-distance trips, commuters can find taxis from this Diepkloof-based facility to other parts of Soweto, the Johannesburg central business district and Vereeniging.
A R30-million informal trader market, which allows commuters to buy necessities like foodstuffs, can also be found at the facility.
”This project symbolises the revitalisation of Soweto in all its facets and is a vital element in our efforts to stimulate economic growth in the area and make it more self-sufficient,” Masondo said.
The Baralink development framework was initiated by the city in 1993 and construction started with the re-alignment of the Old Potchefstroom road. — Sapa