Narrow footpath poses danger to school children
Noordwyk resident Nanda Sono says after it had rained, the learners will have to take off their shoes and socks and roll up their pants to cross, not knowing what they are stepping into.
Each school day, learners from Noordwyk face a perilous walk on an unsafe footpath.
The narrow path, which is over 500m long, is lined by grass that is taller than most of the younger teenagers who use the shortcut to get to Noordwyk Secondary School. It starts at the Sagewood Street cul-de-sac.
Some areas are marshy and learners have to cross Rietspruit stream. Late last year, after heavy rains, an informal bridge was built, reportedly by a concerned community member, using stones packed tightly and secured by what appears to be mesh fencing. Before that, learners had to remove their school shoes and brave the shallow water to get across the stream. They faced the risk of hidden glass, sharp stones and rising waters during heavy rains.
Parts of the path are strewn with building rubble and garden refuse, which add to the risk of snakes already posed by the long grass.
Although there have been no known incidents of crime or injury to children who use the footpath, parent Nanda Sono would like to see the area being cleaned before a child is hurt. Our girls are at particular risk of abduction and abuse, he believes. According to him, around 70 learners use the path each day.
He said he is grateful that the small pedestrian bridge was built because it broke his heart to see the ‘kids taking off their shoes and folding their pants’ up to cross the water. He accompanies his 14-year-old daughter along most of her journey to school each morning.
When the Midrand Reporter visited the site on March 22, Kholofelo Makau was
dropping off his son at the footpath.
Both he and Sono explained that it would take over 45 minutes, battling peak-hour traffic, to drive their children to school. Walking unaccompanied along roads is not an option for the learners, they said, because their journey would take too long and they would face heavy traffic.
Another parent who was dropping his son off at the footpath was approached for comment. He was in a rush, but said a petition by parents had been signed. The paper was unable to get more details from him before he rushed off.
Makau said he would have to take Olifantsfontein Road to drive his son to school and he cannot afford either the time or petrol.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona was asked if the department is aware of the dangerous footpath and what the plans are to address the matter.
“The department is aware and concerned about the unsafe footpath at the said school. This was brought to the attention of the City of Joburg and City Parks for necessary intervention.”
He did not respond when asked when the city first became aware of the problem. The school was also approached for comment, and referred the paper to the department.
Ward 112 councillor Lerato Mphefo acknowledged the paper’s query sent to her on March 23. She was asked how soon action would be taken to make the path safer. No response was received.
Both Mabona and Mphefo were asked about the petition, but neither had responded at the time of going to print on March 28.
Related article:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/273437/is-home-schooling-the-future-of-education/
