With the issue escalating day-by-day, the Newcastle Municipality has finally paved the way to a potential resolution.
Last month, the Newcastle Advertiser met with Panorama Combined School principal, Themba Mthethwa, to discuss growing concerns regarding traffic congestion in front of the school.
Emphasising the importance of his pupils’ safety, Mr Mthethwa previously stated the school addressed several letters to the municipality, disclosing details of a solution to the issue.
As the situation unravelled before their very eyes, the school proposed the municipality level vacant land behind the school.
With documentation dating back to January 2013, the Newcastle Advertiser addressed an enquiry to the Municipal Communications Department on February 5. However, official response was only received on March 15.
According to Protection Services Chief Traffic Officer, Ashok Anandhaw, an investigation was conducted, and traffic flow was being monitored on a daily basis.
“With the expansion of educational facilities (schools and technical colleges), as well as an increase in the number of pupils per class, plus the migration of pupils from rural areas to the city, a proportional increase in public transport to the respective institutions can be noticed,” he explained.
Mr Anandhaw claimed traffic volumes were creating challenges across the board. He also disclosed the traffic department was inundated with complaints of congestion around schools during peak times.
“The situation is not unique to a particular institution,” he said. “The areas are fully-developed with residential properties, and there are no adequate spaces to provide parking areas for [all] modes of transport.”
Mr Anandhaw said Amajuba Park and Barry Hertzog Park were the worst affected areas, as a result of the number of educational institutions in close proximity.
“The Amajuba FET campuses are located here, as well as Amajuba High School and Panorama Combined School.”
When Mr Anandhaw received word of the matter, a preliminary investigation was conducted immediately and the following was established:
– Congestion occurs for half an hour in the mornings and afternoons.
– The suggested holding area behind Panorama is property that belongs to Transnet and not the municipality. The alternative area where the gate was constructed is a derelict park. The land belongs to ArcelorMittal (subject to Development, Planning and Human Settlements verification).
– Law enforcement will not serve as a long-term solution. An integrated approach is recommended to mitigate the problem.
“The Development, Planning and Human Settlements Directorate should take the lead role in working with the complainants and the other municipal departments in order to activate amicable solutions,” concluded Mr Anandaw.
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