Fleurhof Primary parents demand action over water crisis

Parents of Fleurhof Primary rallied outside the school’s premises on Thursday morning, May 15, demanding answers regarding the school’s water issues.

According to the parents, the school hasn’t had water for the past two weeks, and despite numerous efforts to engage with the Department of Basic Education, their cries have been completely ignored.

“We’ve submitted a complaint to the department, requesting additional tanks, as three tanks are inadequate for the number of learners we have,” said concerned parent Vusi Nxumalo.

“It’s heartbreaking to see our children carrying heavy buckets to the toilet to flush. The school’s learning hours and feeding scheme have also been impacted.”

Nxumalo noted that this is the only non-fee-paying primary school in Fleurhof, and overcrowding is a significant challenge.

“We’ve been using containers for eight years, and despite budget constraints, we’re pleading with the department to intervene and build a proper school,” he added.

Also read: Fleurhof learners protest for schools to be built

Another parent, Mpho Monyandu, expressed concern about the safety implications of the school’s early knock-off times due to the water issues.

“Many parents aren’t home at that time to pick up their children, making them vulnerable. We urge the department to acknowledge the challenges we’re facing. Children are missing, and some are even being raped,” said Monyandu referring to the recent case of an 11-year-old boy who was killed and found dumped at his residential complex in Fleurhof.

Also read: Body of missing 11-year-old Fleurhof boy found

“Scholar transports have to make extra arrangements to ensure their safety,” she said.

The Roodepoort Record has on numerous occasions tried to engage with the Department of Basic Education about the issue of schools in Fleurhof, and a detailed update will be done once successful.

Questions were sent to Johannesburg Water regarding the matter, comment will be shared once received.