BOIPATONG.- A blocked stormwater channel that was apparently left open by a contractor appointed by the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) is disturbing the normal course of learning at Lebohang Secondary School.

This is because water from the channel is now directed into the school and surrounding areas, causing flooding in the school and some classes.

Residents, speaking to Sedibeng Ster, said that they also cannot tolerate the unhygienic and unhealthy conditions, as there are mud and algae all over the school, which makes learning impossible.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Sedibeng ActionSA Regional Chairperson Bongani Dhlamini said, “ActionSA is not going to fold its arms and watch when our children’s rights to education are violated because of the selfish interests of the stormwater contractor appointed by Emfuleni. Enough is enough.”

ELM spokesperson, Chuchi Radebe, said that the municipality is aware of the developments affecting residents of Boipatong, in particular Lebohang Secondary School, due to the ongoing sewer project in the area.

“On account of collapsing trenches during excavation, the contractor has applied the ‘shoring’ method to stabilise the construction area, and this has affected the storm water catchment system next to the school, leading to water pooling next to the school fence.”

He added that, “this temporary inconvenience will remain in place until the contractor is done with pipe laying, a process currently underway and nearing completion in the foreseeable future. The municipality is pleading for patience from the community of Boipatong. Once the project is completed, everything will be reinstated to its functional state.”