Asbestos poses health risks at Promosa Primary and Secondary
The Department of Education have made promises to remove these buildings, but it is yet to happen.
DA councillor Glenville Fransman sent out a press release addressing the concerns that residents and parents at Promosa Primary and Secondary have regarding the run-down asbestos buildings at the schools.
Parents and Promosa residents have raised concerns about this health issue for over three years. Asbestos becomes airborne, and anyone can get sick through inhalation.
“On numerous occasions over the last three years, the Department of Education has promised to remove the asbestos buildings safely. Parents and teachers had to cordon off access to these buildings to stop learners coming into contact with the exposed asbestos,” Fransman said. “The health and safety of people should always be the government’s priority.”
During a previous visit to Promosa Secondary, residents told the Herald they were concerned for the safety of teachers and learners. “The learners enter the buildings even though they are closed off. Then, the teachers must expose themselves to get the learners out and back into classes,” a resident said.
“On behalf of the Department of Education, the Independent Development Trust (IDT) was established to appoint contractors to bid for the contract to demolish, remove and dispose of asbestos buildings. It is yet to confirm whether a contractor was appointed,” Fransman continued.
“It’s sad that all the stakeholders are taking their time to remove these buildings. I hope they will test the teachers, learners and other workers at the school for asbestos poisoning once they remove the buildings,” Fransman added.
The Department of Education is yet to respond to enquiries about when it will remove the buildings.
