The multi-story taxi complex cost the now cash-strapped municipality a whopping R400m, and was completed in 2011.

It was supposed to take the hype around the taxi ranks surrounding it indoors, but instead it has been standing empty ever since.

A written question in parliament – tabled by EFF MP Moletsane Moletsane – has yanked this issue back into the public eye.

The department said in an answer to his questions, that information received from the Free State Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Department and the municipality indicates that indeed the taxi complex is not being used due to an ongoing dispute between the Metro and Greater Mangaung Taxi Association.

The municipality indicated in 2019 that the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding that would see the building being occupied by taxis - but more than a year later, the building is still gathering dust.

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