Since December, Middelburg Primary School (MPS) have been left in the lurch by the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality (STLM) regarding an unexplained ditch with exposed wiring at the school’s hockey fields.

The site, which was dug up by STLM during the December/January holidays without informing the primary school, had been left open without explanation.

Despite several enquiries, MPS were ignored. They then turned to DA Councillor Hennie Niemann.

Niemann said underneath the hockey field is a ring feed system that acts as an alternative (backup) power source for the Nkangala Municipality building and the Midland Office Park, and that the site was excavated due to a cable fault.

This still does not explain why STLM left it perilously open for months.

Despite the assurance that the wiring is not active, the school took matters into their own hands to ensure the safety of their learners.

As such, MPS installed a visible barrier to prevent any incidents.

While taking photographs of the hazard, the Middelburg Observer spoke to principal Renier Loubser, who expressed his frustration at the lack of clarity from the municipality.

He emphasised that safety is a priority for the school, and that is why it was deemed necessary to turn to local councillors and the newspaper to resolve the situation in as swift a manner as possible.

The Observer spoke with Niemann this morning, who was present at the location. He said that municipal electricians were not sure why the dig site had not been closed, but that it should be filled by the end of today.

• The Middelburg Observer reached out to STLM for comment, asking why the hole had not been dealt with. They did not respond in time for publication.

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