Taxi operators are demanding compensation from De Beers, claiming that they are being forced out of their livelihoods by the fence that is being erected around the Big Hole following fresh concerns over soil erosion and cracking.
TAXI operators are demanding compensation from De Beers, claiming that they are being forced out of their livelihoods by the fence that is being erected around the Big Hole following fresh concerns over soil erosion and cracking.
Taxi drivers are adamant that the fence will not prevent them from continuing to operate at the Bultfontein taxi rank.
“We have been using this rank since the 1980s and we do not plan on going anywhere. There is no danger where we are operating.”
They added that they would have to spend R1,300 per day on fuel if they relocated to the Indian Centre taxi rank.
“We are not fools, who is going to pay our petrol costs? We are already struggling to make ends meet.
“De Beers was supposed to pay 10 marshals at the minimum wage rate of R28 per hour. Taxi drivers now also have to foot the bill for the marshals.”
They stated that they were still waiting for a date to be set for a meeting that was supposed to be held with De Beers and Sol Plaatje Municipality this month.
“We refuse to move until we are given a rank nearer to the central business district. All we are getting are empty pie-in-the-sky pipe dreams, including the proposed transport hub, which may never materialise. In future, whatever is promised must be done in writing, so that we have a leg to stand on when we go to court.”
The vice president of communications at De Beers SA, Jackie Mapiloko, said construction of the permanent water control infrastructure was being executed in a phased approach.
“The initial phase, which is the construction of an earth berm on the north-eastern side of the perimeter fence, adjacent to Bultfontein Road, commenced in August and is progressing well. We are on track to complete this phase ahead of the upcoming rainy season,” said Mapiloko.
She added that De Beers continued to work closely with the Sol Plaatje Municipality to ensure that the construction site was fully barricaded and that all necessary safety standards were met.
“We thank the residents of Kimberley for their patience and understanding during this time and will continue to provide updates as the project advances,” said Mapiloko.
