Security fence causing local school more traffic headaches
Lack of communication leads to frustrating traffic situation for Benoni High and its stakeholders
Principal of Benoni High Eugene Rooyakkers said there was no communication from the Ekurhuleni metro prior to construction starting on a security fence around the perimeter of the parking area outside the Benoni Northerns Swimming Pool in Hanekam Street.
Metro spokesperson Themba Gadebe said the fence is being erected to address complaints from the community and ward councillor about the parking area being a “party spot” and it was resolved, with the EMPD, to enclose the area to discourage this situation.
Rooyakkers, along with parents and other commuters, questioned why construction wasn’t done in the month-long school holiday, but only started two days into the new term (July 17) when traffic was again back to peak volumes.
Gadebe explained this was due to the metro’s new financial year only having started in July.
“This is, unfortunately, when funds were allocated and when the project could get underway.”
Furthermore, Gadebe said, the property belongs to the metro and is intended for the use of swimming pool users.
“However, considering the school is using the parking area, the metro will engage with the school to find a practical and amicable working solution.”
He added that the metro would undertake to engage all stakeholders regarding the opening and locking of the gates.
The high-pressure traffic and pedestrian situation, particularly in the parking area drop-off zone for Benoni High learners, is nothing new but has Rooyakkers extremely concerned.
“Nobody has congestion like this in the whole of Benoni,” he said.
“Between 7.15am and 7.45am during the week around the swimming pool area is probably the most difficult traffic situation in the city.
“I have been, cap in hand, to the traffic department on several occasions and even spoken to senior officials to try to get assistance with points people or other measures.
“Their response has always been that they are under-resourced and can’t help us.
“This security fence has exacerbated the traffic problems.
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“Our school is now like a (traffic) war zone.
“We were not informed at all about the fence going up or anything related to the procedures which will be put in place around this, and I have no idea why the metro didn’t let us know what was going to happen.”
A frustrated Rooyakkers added that some motorists are “disgusting” in the way they drive during peak time, which doesn’t help matters.
Benoni High’s main entrance is flanked by that of Hoërskool Hans Moore and the Ekurhuleni East College, all in Dalrymple Street.
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