Kempton Park schools plagued by potholes as safety concerns grow

Ward 15 Councillor Amanda Davison has called on the City of Ekurhuleni to urgently prioritise pothole repairs and road resurfacing around several Kempton Park schools, citing ongoing safety risks for learners, parents and staff.

Despite repeated requests to the municipality, Davison said several schools remain affected by severely deteriorated road conditions.

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These include Birchleigh High School, Laerskool Birchleigh, Kruinsig Primary School, Hoërskool Jeugland and Van Riebeeck Park Primary School.

She said one of the most concerning issues is a large pothole at the main entrance of Hoërskool Jeugland, which has deteriorated to the extent that residents describe it as a sinkhole, posing a serious hazard to daily school traffic.

Davison acknowledged some progress following engagements with Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, particularly regarding pothole repairs along Elgin Road. However, she said broader interventions around schools remain largely outstanding.

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“It is unacceptable that critical access roads to our schools are neglected, while significant resources are spent on projects that may not withstand seasonal weather conditions,” said Davison.

She has also called on city manager Kagiso Lerutla to ensure that service delivery initiatives, including the City’s “fixing the frontline” programme, prioritise essential infrastructure affecting learners and communities.

Davison urged the municipality to implement an urgent, focused plan to address road conditions around schools and ensure safe, reliable access for all road users.

Principal Carmen Govender of Hoërskool Birchleigh said the situation outside the school has reached crisis levels.

“With more than 2 000 learners using Maroela Street daily as the main entry and exit point, the road experiences extremely high traffic volumes from both pedestrians and vehicles,” she said.

Govender added that the school operates seven days a week due to extra classes, sports and cultural activities, placing additional strain on the already damaged road.

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She said several complaints have been received from parents and staff whose vehicles have been damaged, while learners are also at risk due to limited pavement space.

“Some learners are forced to walk on the road and have twisted their ankles because of the potholes,” she said.

Temporary repairs by the school have proven ineffective due to heavy rains, she added.

Govender said the matter has been escalated to the municipality, the Birchleigh CPF and Davison, but responses have been limited.

“We have only received replies stating ‘noted’, with no reference number or follow-up action,” she said.

The school governing body has also raised concerns amid growing parental frustration.

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Govender said the school is calling for a permanent solution through full road resurfacing.

“We urgently appeal to the relevant authorities to prioritise this matter. The condition of the road is hazardous and does not reflect the pride we take in our school environment,” she said.

The Kempton Express sent an enquiry to the City of Ekurhuleni on May 7, requesting a response by May 11. At the time of going to print, no response had been received.