Glenvista’s proposed school set for go ahead
It was revealed by Glenvista Community Police Forum’s Mike Fontes, deputy chairman Mondeor Precinct CPF, Mondeor Sector 1 CPF chairman and Johannesburg Ward 23 Committee member that the Gauteng Department of Education plans to go ahead with the school in Glenvista, on Laubscher Street, Glenvista ext 4.
GLENVISTA – According to Fontes, “The school will be illegal as the Department has not obtained approval from the local Council for the development which is planned on Laubscher Street, corner of Stegman Road, Glnevista. In so doing the Department is side stepping traffic and environmental impact assessment, consultation with affected communities, neighbouring property owners and other requirements.
“The planned Mega school (1 000 or more learners) has drawn legitimate concerns from Glenvista and other residents. Amongst other concerns residents are questioning the Department’s decision to build using “innovative building technology” (prefabricated structures) in a suburb where all other public schools are brick and mortar schools and no public participation and consultation has taken place.
“There has been no infrastructure upgrade and the majority of learners are drawn from Rosettenville and other communities and it is disputed that the prefabricated structures meet the requirements for norms and standards demanded by national legislation and regulations. There seems to be no rational connection between the proposed Glenvista Primary School and the objective of the Department.
“We have also learned that the Department is seriprituousely erecting the prefabricated structures at Laerskool Suidheuwels in South Hills which will later be transported to the illegal site in Glenvista. Learners enrolled at the proposed school have been attending Laerskool Suidheuwels since schools opened this year. Presumably, the department has been assembling the prefabricated structures out of sight of Glenvista residents in a deliberate strategy to hide their intentions and catch this community by surprise.
“The principal of Glenanda Primary School, Mr King, has been seconded to oversee the proposed school and it seems the Department is intent on proceeding with the school without required Council approval, with no public consultation and over the objections of the affected communities. The Department failed to attend meetings convened by the GCPF, the Department, the ward Councillor and affected residents. Clearly, the Department is arrogant to the point that it does not comply with law and public consultation.
“The GCPF has never been opposed to a new school in the area but questions the use of innovative building technology as it does not take into account the demographic reality of the area which the Department is obliged to consider. Build our children a proper school from brick and mortar we say, with approved building plans and in consultation with affected communities and with the required infrastructure upgrades.
“We visited Laerskool Suidheuwels and confirmed the prefabricated structures they intend to use on the illegal site.”
The CHRONICLE went to Laerskool Suidheuwels on Monday morning, January 19 and took photographs of the prefabricated structures.
* We will try and obtain comment from the Gauteng Department of Education as soon as possible.
