Auleria Wakudumo
ONDANGWA – For years, taxi operators and commuters in Ondangwa have struggled with a disorderly open space near a marula tree near ABC Open Market, where taxis gathered to pick up and drop off passengers.
The Ondangwa Town Council has announced plans to construct a new taxi loading zone to replace the current disorderly area near ABC market.
The town’s spokesperson, Petrina Shitalangaho-Mutikisha said the initiative aims to provide a safer and more organised environment for both taxi operators and commuters.
“We want to ensure that both operators and the commuting public have a safer, more organised and dignified environment,” Shitalangaho-Mutikisha said.
For many drivers, the disorderly space has long posed challenges. They have struggled with congestion, arguments over parking and safety concerns for their passengers.
The council, through the department of infrastructure, property, town planning and building control, together with the department of local economic development, recently engaged operators to present the proposed layout for the facility.
The zone will serve operators commuting to Eenhana, Grootfontein, Tsumeb and Gobabis.
During the engagement, drivers welcomed the opportunity to provide input. They suggested adjustments to the initial layout, including moving from a queue style system to an open parking design to improve traffic flow and efficiency.
The proposed taxi loading zone will include ablution facilities, clearly marked loading bays, shelters for commuters, and improved traffic organisation. The council confirmed that these suggestions will be incorporated into the final design, which is expected to be operational by February 2026.
For commuters, the new facility promises a safer and more structured environment. It will be good for passengers, especially children and the elderly, who sometimes struggle to board taxis safely in the current space.
The planned loading zone offers a solution to a long standing problem and improves the daily experience of public transport in Ondangwa.