​By Botho Male 
On Friday, 11 August 2023, MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela handed over the completed Phase 1 of the Vereeniging Intermodal Facility in the Sedibeng District Municipality. mood. We are officially opening the first phase of the Vereeniging Taxi Rank. The citizens of Sedibeng now have an improved facility from which they can undertake journeys and economic activities” he said. 
The MMC commended the work done by the contractor and emphasised that there was no corruption involved in this process. “We have pledged to fight corruption and no officials have been found doing so. We extend our gratitude to MEC Diale-Tlabela for ensuring that promises made were delivered on” he added. 
Refurbishments to the taxi rank began in November 2022 and include new ablution facilities, hawker stalls as well as covered loading shelters. In the past, the facility faced a number of issues from poor planning and mismanagement. This negatively impacted public transport operations, economic activity and safety of commuters in the area. Department appointed the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) to oversee the project as the implementing agent for the delivery of the facility. Its development is aimed at providing taxi operators and commuters with a fit-for-purpose facility that will also stimulate the economy of the town. 
MMC for Transport and Infrastructure in the Sedibeng District Municipality, Cllr Nkosinathi Ndwandwe, was in high spirits when speaking at the handover event. “Today we are in a jovial SANTACO Sedibeng Regional Chairperson, Mzwabantu Mali, stated that “the facility is a sign of things to come and will develop the economy within the region.” The Vereeniging Maintenance Crew is tasked with ensuring that the facility is kept clean. The Sedibeng District Municipality has also promised to place more workers to assist with the upkeep of the facility. O Delivering on infrastructure services: DRT hands over Phase 1 of Vereeniging Intermodal Facility 
The MEC went on a walkabout of the new and existing facility, where she interacted with commuters, taxi drivers and hawkers. She expressed her gratitude to the people of Vereeniging and the project team that spearheaded the project. “Thank you to the municipality and the project management team for working tirelessly to complete this project” she said. 
The MEC urged the taxi industry, hawkers and community to work together to ensure the facility is kept clean and taken care of. Upon completion, the Vereeniging Intermodal Facility is intended to be a multipurpose hub of transport and economic activity that will host retail space, long distance buses and a train station. The facility is set to provide smarter mobility for the community and improve the standard of living of those in townships.