R36m budgeted for licensing hubs in the East Rand

22 July 2014 - 10:17 By Lehlohonolo Tau
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Image: Gallo Images/Thinkstock

Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in the East Rand will be constructing three licence testing centres in the next three years.  R36 million has been budgeted for the project.

The spokesman for the municipality Themba Gadebe said the municipality has decided to build the Licensing hubs in the previously disadvantaged areas because all centres are situated in town.

“We want to reduce the average waiting period for those who aspire to do the learners license or driver license, which used to be 3 months for driver licence and approximately up to 2 months for learners’ licenses as minimal as possible,” said Gadebe.

The testing hubs are going to be constructed in Tsakane, Katlehong and Tembisa and will offer services to people of all ages including the youth, car owners and any other person who aspires to get a driver license.

“The majority of the African population resides in the townships and these services are not easily accessible to them. It is government’s mandate to take services closer to the people and the City of Ekurhuleni is committed to those ideals,” Gadebe said. 

DA’s deputy spokesman on public safety in Ekurhuleni Ernest Hlatswayo was pessimistic about this project, saying that the ruling party thrives on making promises but struggle to implement on the promises they have made to the people

“The problem here is financing the projects. Is the municipality in the right financial status to carry this project through?” Hlatswayo asked.

The municipality’s spokesman said the land and funds are available and construction is expected to start by the end of 2014/2015 financial year.

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