Wait continues as Birch Acres school remains incomplete

The Gauteng Department of Education has once again disappointed the residents of Kempton Park, with the long-delayed Birch Acres school project still incomplete nine years after it began.

The school, which was intended to help ease overcrowding in local schools, has now become a symbol of unfulfilled promises.

Despite boasting over 40 classrooms, the building remains abandoned and shows signs of vandalism.

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Windows have been broken, burglar bars destroyed and most concerning, the server that was previously installed and fully operational has been stolen.

According to the Gauteng Department of Education, there is no contractor appointed yet to finish the work.

The department has had to reinitiate the procurement process and anticipates that the contractor will start with the works in June 2025, with completion by the end of the year.

A budget of R27m has been allocated to complete the project.

As a temporary security measure, four CPF patrollers were deployed to the site between March 27 and 31.

Refiloe Nt’sekhe, DA political head of Thembisa South, conducted an oversight visit to the school.

“This school was built in 2016 and was supposed to open in 2018. Yet, to this day, it remains about 85% incomplete,” said Nt’sekhe.

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“I have repeatedly asked the MEC for Education when this school will be completed. Kempton Park desperately needs more schools, and our children are suffering in overcrowded classrooms.”

Kempton Express submitted an enquiry to the Gauteng Department of Education on March 4, followed by a second enquiry on March 18, asking about the appointment of a new contractor and the expected completion date.

At the time of going to print, no response had been received.