Calls for Funny Farm relocation mounting
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has committed to taking the pressure off of schools by making sure that Alberton North’s Funny Farm is used for its intended purpose.
Funny Farm is home to more than 100 dwellers on grounds confirmed to belong to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE).
After a visit earlier spearheaded by DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education Khume Ramulifho, he tabled questions to the MEC about Funny Farm and received feedback.
The department assured that several meetings were held with various departments to ensure the education department starts to use this property.
“The plan remains for the CoE, with the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements, to provide alternative accommodation to relocate the illegal occupants. Once they are relocated, the GDE plans to use the property as a space for classrooms, thereby relieving the accommodation pressure off the nearby primary schools experiencing increasing enrolment numbers,” it stated.
Hopes are that about 160 learners will be accommodated on the property. That number will rise when additional grades are added.
In response to Ramulifho’s question on when the department plans to use the property for this purpose, the department said the target is for the land to be ready for teaching and learning in time for the school reopening in January.
However, that would depend on the speedy conclusion of the relocation process.
One local previously told the Alberton Record that the residents are tired of the unlawful activities in and around Alberton.
“Crimes such as robbery, illegal firearms, car theft, hijacking, house break-ins, kidnapping, human trafficking, rapists, murders, and drug dealing takes place at Funny Farm. Armed security and the police cannot take control of these criminals. They steal anything they find, making life unbearable for the residents,” he said.
Real estate agent Chris Greyling said: “There are mixed emotions about that area, but it’s an area like any other. It goes with people’s preference.”
The DA will engage the Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development, Lebogang Maile, to urgently intervene and relocate the occupants residing in the Funny Farm facility.
“The DA will continue to put pressure on the GDE to take back the facility and prepare it for the 2024 academic year. In doing so, this will assist in taking the pressure off schools in the surrounding area that are overcrowded due to the high enrolment demand,” said Ramulifho.
ALSO READ: Family of Alberton boxer seeks justice after death at Funny Farm
