Temporary classrooms are being erected to alleviate overcrowding in the schools and to address admission-related challenges in White River.
The White River Ratepayers Association (WRRA) is against these temporary classrooms, and demands two new schools be built. Its chairperson, Pierre du Preez, said it has come to their attention that a temporary school is to be established within a very limited time on Hoërskool Rob Ferreira’s premises. He says the town’s ratepayers have some serious questions and demands before they will allow this.
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“We are not against development, but against slapdash plans that will not deliver long-term benefits to all. Were any approvals from the various departments acquired? We have not seen any public participation. We have an opposing petition from the neighbouring homes in Norwin Street. Further to this, we require a comprehensive plan as to the supply of water, electricity and sewerage to this temporary school, considering that White River is under severe stress regarding the very limited and dilapidated resources. The school is not going to be allowed to tap into White River resources at all.
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“We understand that only 40 Grades Ones and 70 Grade Eight learners will be utilising the temporary school. Where will they be going after the year is over? We will not tolerate this becoming an inferior second-rate dumpsite of learners. We require a beginning and an end date to the temporary status with clear indications where the learners will be accommodated after a year.”
The spokesperson for the Department of Education, Jasper Zwane, confirmed that they are building additional temporary classes for the two schools, primary and secondary, to accommodate learners in the area.
“This is a temporary measure to alleviate overcrowding and to address admission-related challenges in White River. The contractor will be finished within a week and the classes will be ready for use,” he said.
The department has started a planning process to build two schools, a primary and secondary. However, he did not provide many details about the project and how soon the building would start. He also emphasised that parents should register their children at schools near their area of residence.
