A submerged security shack at Slovoville Primary School in Roodepport, 15 January 2023. Picture: Nigel Sibanda
It’s a parent’s worst nightmare when the safety of their child is at risk and there’s very little they can do about it.
But that’s exactly the reality a parent, Lerato Kunene, faces daily after hazardous sewage leaks, made worse by the heavy rain, halted the opening of Slovoville Primary School in Swaneville, Mogale City.
The flooding has been caused by a suspected mine dam leak, resulting in a pipe burst at the nearby sewage pumping station.
Many houses have been flooded and the community’s safety and health is at risk. Kunene said: “Our children need to go back to school. As a concerned parent, I cannot allow my child to come back to school … where it is not safe.”
ALSO READ: Swaneville sewage spill leaves residents trapped on sinking land
She added: “Kids are kids and anything can happen. They need to be in a safe environment.”
Flooding in Swaneville has been a problem from as far back as 2019, with water levels rising every time there is heavy rain.
The matter was reported to the authorities, with the councillor, human settlements minister, the mayor and the MEC all meeting residents, but only delivering empty promises.
No solution is in sight, despite promises to move the residents to a new area. This cannot be allowed to continue.
Swanville: School re-opening delays as sewage flooding worsens
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