Heaps of rocks left behind by a municipal contractor and broken infrastructure put the lives of children from Khutsong Ext 3 in danger.

Residents such as Chucku Kerileng have been complaining about several open stormwater drains across the road from Hlanganani Primary School for more than a year. Despite the fact that the Merafong City Local Municipality has been made aware of these drains, they have done nothing to protect learners and children from the area.

To make matters worse, municipal contractors working at a site across from the school previously left behind heaps of sharp stones. They also did not remove other dangerous rubble such as broken pieces of concrete pipe and manholes. While local and provincial politicians were gathering at Khutsong Stadium for a safety and service delivery imbizo, dozens of children were playing among the dangerous stones and open drains.

A concerned Khutsong resident, Mzwandile Kheswa of the Elderly Movement for Change, called for an urgent removal of the stones and rubble.

“The abandoned stones pose a serious safety hazard. They are sharp, unstable and dangerous for small children who can trip or fall on them. The area is not barricaded and has been left unattended for an extended period,” complained Kheswa.

He called on the municipality to have the responsible contractor return to the site within 48 hours to remove all the stones and rubble, and for the ward councillor to conduct a site inspection and ensure compliance.

The Herald contacted the municipality about the issue, but no feedback was received by printing time.