Relebogile Secondary School in Khutsong faces urgent infrastructure challenges
The Gauteng Department of Education seems to be ignoring the problems.
Relebogile Secondary School is grappling with two critical infrastructure issues that are causing widespread concern among students, parents and staff. The first is a dangerous sinkhole on the school premises, and the second is a severe water supply problem at the new school building across the street.
During a visit to the school on Friday, it was observed that no action had been taken to address the sinkhole. The hole, which has formed due to a water leak in February 2023, poses a serious risk to the safety of students and staff. The school community is eagerly awaiting an update on when repairs will commence. The delay in addressing this issue has raised alarm among stakeholders who are concerned about potential accidents and further structural damage.
In addition to the sinkhole issue, the newly constructed school building is experiencing a significant water supply problem. The absence of running tap water has forced students to use bucket water for flushing toilets, leading to considerable inconvenience and frustration. The situation has been exacerbated by inadequate sanitation facilities: with 1,460 students and only eight toilets (four for boys and four for girls), the school’s safety and hygiene standards are severely compromised.
Fanie Monnapula, the former chairperson of Relebogile Secondary School, highlighted the gravity of the situation.
“The new school is not in a good state,” Monnapula said. “It is cold, there is more dust in the classrooms, and the use of containers for water poses potential health risks for both learners and teachers.”
The lack of adequate sanitation facilities and running water not only impacts daily operations but also threatens the overall well-being of the school community. The urgent need for repairs to the sinkhole and the restoration of a reliable water supply are critical to alleviating these issues.
The Gauteng Education Department has not yet commented on either of these pressing matters. The school and local authorities are urged to provide a timely update on the resolution of these problems to ensure the safety and well-being of the students and staff. Prompt action is essential to prevent further disruptions and to restore a conducive learning environment.
