In Rekord 16 May 2014 there was an article regarding a proposed development in Eldoraigne. The residents are upset about this development for various reasons. My greatest concern is where the children that move into this new housing will go to school. A proposal has also been handed in to build a stack of units on Jean Avenue in Doringkloof. Again, where are these children going to go to school?
We have enough residential and commercial properties. We have enough shopping centres. We now need schools to accommodate the influx of people. It is not good enough that just more and more children are cramped into one classroom or that the they are disadvantaged because of the decisions of the Tshwane City Planning and Development Department. Does this department really do a thorough assessment of the area’s demographics and requirements before approving new developments?
In Centurion we have two English high schools. This is not enough to educate the children in Centurion. We need more classrooms built, we need more qualified teachers and we need more schools. If we are going to reduce poverty and increase employment, we need to educate our children properly.
I understand it is all about money. The land is owned by developers and what developer in his right mind does not want to make loads of money. They cannot make money if the land is used for a government school. By law, I have to send my children to school, but I cannot, as there is no space at my local school. I cannot afford the private school fees. This is a problem caused by the Tshwane City Planning and Development Department. Stop approving complexes, offices and shopping malls and start improving infrastructure and community needs.
I know I am not the only resident experiencing this problem and something needs to be done about it. Shortened by editor.
