Halfway Gardens residents frustrated with Midrand High School learners transport dilemma

Frustrations expressed by residents of Halfway Garden reflect a larger societal challenge.

Comfort Makhanya

2 hours ago

Midrand High School principal Con Purchase acknowledges that the school is aware of the illegal transport parking issue. Photo: Comfort Makhanya

In the quiet suburban neighborhood of Halfway Garden, just a stone’s throw from Midrand High School, frustration is mounting.

Residents are grappling with what they describe as an escalating nightmare – chaotic parking of transport vehicles picking up school learners.

The aftermath of this parking pandemonium has created a ripple effect, stirring concerns of noise pollution, drug usage, safety hazards, and a feeling of helplessness among families.

Every school day, as school hours approach and when ending, the streets of Halfway Garden transform into a chaotic pick-up zone. Transport vehicles converge on routes like Forbes Road, Third Road, and Segal Road, encroaching upon residential areas.

Driveways are often blocked, leaving residents to contend with a daily game of long detours just to enter or exit their homes.

“It is a battle every morning and afternoon,” shares a residents who preferred to remain anonymous for their children’s safety. “You can hear the noise and see the congestion, and we just want to live our lives without this additional stress.”

As children spill out of these cramped transport vehicles, the safety of the young ones becomes a paramount concern. “The situation is unsafe, with children running around unsupervised,” laments another resident.

Noise pollution is another significant irritation. The constant honking, music, shouting, and engine revving creates an unbearable atmosphere, particularly for those working from home.

“It is relentless, and we find it hard to concentrate,” says one homeowner. “Despite efforts to deter transport vehicles – from erecting poles to placing concrete balls – the problem persists.”

Littering has also become an unfortunate side effect of this chaotic environment. Residents frequently clean up the mess left behind, which often includes empty bags linked to drugs and other unsightly refuse.

“We feel like we are living in a dumping ground. It is disheartening to see our neighborhood so disrespected.”

The residents have taken their frustrations to various authorities. They reached out to the school, the ward councillor, local law enforcement, and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD).

However, many feel ignored, with the school allegedly stating it cannot take responsibility for the transport vehicles parked on private properties.

Moreover, attempts to engage directly with the drivers have led to unsettling confrontations, with alleged threats of violence following polite requests to cease blocking driveways. “It is daunting to speak up when you are met with hostility,” notes a concerned parent.

Adding to these worries are alarming allegations regarding some drivers abusing substances before transporting learners.

Despite feeling overlooked, the community of Halfway Garden is rallying together to tackle the issue.

Residents hope to shine a spotlight on their plight and compel the necessary agencies to take action. “We deserve to enjoy our homes in peace, without the constant worry of chaos at our doorstep.”

Authority and officials tackling the tangle

Despite residents’ frustrations, there is a silver lining, an acknowledgment from the ward councillor and the community that efforts have been made before, but only for a short time.

The residents admitted that there was a period when the JMPD showed visibility on the streets and this did make ‘small strides’ in addressing the issue.

Lerato Mphefo, the councillor for Ward 112 where Halfway Gardens falls, understands the community’s concerns and encourages them to report such issues, even if the issue was solved before and it continued.

“Every issue that occurs in the neighborhood, especially post-Covid, requires residents to log a call with the relevant departments to have proof of their complaint,” she explains.

This structured approach ensures that residents have a reference point for follow-ups and increases accountability.

Also read: Halfway House Development Forum takes it to the streets

Mphefo emphasises the importance of continued reporting, “when the problem reoccurs, residents must log a new call, as the previous one would have been closed, indicating that the matter was addressed.”

Con Purchase, the principal of Midrand High School, has also taken notice of the illegal parking dilemma as it affects the school environment.

“We have reported this to JMPD and the police, and approached drivers, but unfortunately, many respond aggressively,” said Purchase. The school has also actively sought assistance from the School Governing Body (SGB), parents, officials, and private security firms to combat the ongoing issue.

Residents are concerned with vehicles parking at their premises while they await learners from Midrand High School.

Residents are concerned with vehicles parking at their premises while awaiting learners from Midrand High School.

Third and Segal routes corner.

Vehicle parking at residents properties waits learners. Photos: Comfort Makhanya

Transport park on the road in front of residents places while they await for learners to come out of school.

Bottles of alcohol found where these cars park at residents premises.

Transport park on the road in front of residents' places while they await for learners to come out of school.

Taxi awaits learners.

Transport parking on road awaits learners to come out of school.

Last year June, the residents reached out to the school, pinpointing illegal parking as the root cause of the issue. In response, the school initiated several measures:

• Parent Collaboration: Requests for parents to pick up their children on time to alleviate congestion.
• Law Enforcement Meetings: Meetings with the JMPD to discuss enforcing local by-laws concerning taxis, although co-operation remains lackluster.
• Involvement of Local Police: Engaging Midrand Police Station to ensure adherence to public by-laws.
• After-School Facility Proposal: Exploring the potential of an after-school facility, though it received minimal support from parents.

Despite these efforts, the problem shows signs of resurgence. Occasional increases in illegal parking lead to a cycle of frustration for both school officials and residents.

As the school grapples with its role in the situation, it recognises the necessity for collective community support. “We know the problem exists and it affects us at school too,” Purchase acknowledges.

He indicates that fostering a culture where learners can thrive requires the co-operation of parents, taxi operators, and the broader community.

Residents and school officials alike still harbor hope that awareness and collective advocacy will eventually yield tangible results.

They are calling for robust collaboration with local authorities to address not just the transportation dilemmas but also the ripple effects that illegal parking creates.

JMPD to responds
JMPD is committed to addressing traffic concerns raised by residents. Spokesperson Xolani Fihla said, “While the current JMPD Regional Office has not received a formal complaint regarding illegal parking near gates in Halfway Gardens by Midrand High School learners’ private transports, we take the issue seriously.”

The matter has been escalated to the JMPD Regional Office, and officers will be deployed to conduct regular patrols in the area to address the obstruction of traffic caused by illegal parking.