Gauteng MEC of roads and transport Ismail Vadi has condemned the action of the taxi drivers and owners who blocked roads in the city centre demanding answers on routes from provincial government.

Vadi said the actions of the Nancefield-Dube West Taxi Association’s (Nanduwe) were unfortunate and unwarranted.

He said officials of his department had in recent weeks engaged the Nanduwe executive committee in resolving their routes dispute with Witwatersrand African Taxi Association (Wata).

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“The department remains committed to implementing the mutually agreed to Section 79 hearings as per the Court Order within the specified period‚ and appeals to Nanduwe to respect the agreement reached with the Department‚” Vadi said.

Earlier‚ taxi drivers and owners blocked Simmonds street in the city centre which leads to Vadi’s office and the office of the premier.

Just after midday‚ police were called when the taxis blocked intersections bringing traffic in the city centre to a standstill.

Nanduwe accused the provincial department of transport of dragging its heels in addressing the issue of the route dispute with Wata.

The blockade lasted about four hours and caused serious congestion on the M1 South and other major road linked to the CBD.

— TMG Digital