School route a dangerous and muddy one for these learners
The Department of Education said it has identified a new site for the school.
Heavy rains and wet weather conditions over the past few months have caused concern for parents of Umnyezane Primary School in Putfontein.
They said when it rains they have to use their discretion on whether to send their children to school or not. According to the parents who wished to remain anonymous, when it rains heavily, their children often struggle to cross the river stream that borders the route to school.
“When it rains we accompany them to school but sometimes they are forced to miss school when the stream is flooded.”
The parents said their children walk long distances on a steep gravel road to attend school. They also claimed that educators at the school are also subjected to such conditions, though, they use another route which also becomes heavily muddy when it rains.
“The road that our children use is not safe, it is an isolated area with overgrown grass. We always encourage them to walk in groups every morning and afternoon for their safety.”
They shared that they’ve engaged the school to at least get a bus to transport their children from and to school, however, their pleas haven’t been fulfilled.
“The only solution we think can work is for the government to build a bridge which can be used by our children and motorists. The current state of the road is not safe and adequate,” said concerned parents.
When the Benoni City Times visited the area around 15:00, two learners who reside around Umnyezane Primary School but attend another school in Daveyton said they use the road every day when they go to school. GDE responds According to Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona, the department is aware of the situation at Umnyezane Primary School.
“It must be noted that the said school is located at a private property. Consequently, the municipality granted the department the site through a lease agreement. However, the property was then illegally invaded, and this invasion delayed the process of delivery of the school.” Mabona said the school is a no-fee school and cannot afford to pay for a hired bus.
“The scholar transport policy dictates that learners must travel 5km or more for the school to qualify for scholar transport.”
Mabona added that the replacement of Umnyezane Primary School on the proposed new site will benefit the Etwatwa community, as learners will no longer have to cross the stream to access the school.
“The process for a site suitability study will be conducted for the identified site accordingly,” said Mabona. The department said the school is 75 years old and was established in 1948 by the owner of the farm.
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