Mining concerns prompt rehab plan for Centurion school

Laerskool Louis Leipoldt in Centurion is one of 13 schools across Gauteng scheduled for rehabilitation as part of a programme by the Gauteng Department of Education.

This initiative aims to address safety risks caused by ground instability, air pollution, and the school’s proximity to mining activity.

The department announced that several schools throughout the province have been impacted by environmental and structural threats linked to nearby mining operations.

These conditions have prompted urgent safety interventions, including relocations and rehabilitation plans.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department has already conducted assessments and will roll out rehabilitation efforts at 13 schools in Centurion, Gauteng West, and Ekurhuleni South.

He explained the schools face challenges due to dolomitic ground conditions.

“The rehabilitation programme is set to begin at 13 schools, including Boiteko Primary School, Laerskool Fleur, and Laerskool Louis Leipoldt,” said Mabona.

He did not provide a specific timeframe for when the rehabilitation programme at these schools would start.

“In some cases, schools have been relocated or placed on similar rehabilitation programmes due to safety concerns.”

Mabona said that although there have been no formal complaints from schools specifically about air pollution, the department is aware that some schools are situated near heavy industrial zones.

“This includes areas such as Germiston, Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, and others across the province.

“The signs of pollution over a long period of time are evident in the deterioration of concrete and masonry elements in the buildings. There is excessive carbonation of concrete and corrosion of reinforcement,” he said.

“As part of the department’s safety efforts, school staff across all districts have also received disaster management training.

“This includes firefighting and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA) to improve emergency preparedness.”

Mabona said learners are also being educated about mining and environmental safety through the national curriculum.

ALSO READ: Lawless school setup infuriates Theresapark residents

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.