R20 million boost for crowded Tinley Manor school

Four years after pupils and parents first began protesting against the overcrowding and condition of pre-fab classes at Tinley Manor Primary, phase one of the school’s extension is due to begin in two weeks time.

The school currently seats more than 50 pupils in a class, three or four at a desk meant for two, while in some classrooms more than 100 children are crammed in together.

The ward committee and teachers were briefed at a meeting last Thursday about the construction.

The R20 million first phase consists of 12 standard classrooms, a multi-purpose class, two grade R classes, a kitchen and tuck shop, store room and new three blocks of toilets.

According to the contractor, Robert Ngema from Intuthwane JV and NA Van der Laam Construction, the project is expected to take 15 months.

Project manager Sthembiso Ndlovu asked for co-operation from Velani residents until the project was completed.

“We must ensure that no matter what issues may occur, we should never forget that the main purpose of the project is to help the children,” said Ndlovu.

School governing body deputy chair Sthembiso Ngubane said he was happy to see progress and he hoped there would be no issues going forward.

“I pray that the project will be completed on time so that our children will get classrooms,” said Ngubane.

The education department had originally promised to expand the school as of June 2016. When this did not materialise the school suffered from numerous community protests and was closed for two weeks earlier this year when parents lost patience over the lack of progress.

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