Teaching and learning have been halted at Canterbury Preparatory School following the ongoing hostile situation at Honeydew Ridge, Plot 16.
A protest erupted yesterday (15 March) when the informal dwellers demanded that councillor Leah Knott of Ward 97 address them following their eviction from the plot.
The residents were evicted by the Red Ants on 14 March.
The demonstrators blockaded one of the main roads, Taylor Road, leading to the school which left the academic staff anxious about the children’s safety.
Kyle Deerans, the director of the institution, told Roodepoort Northsider that they were advised by the police to halt their academic programme.
He added, “We did not have any issues [about the protest] but the only problem was road access [to the school].”
Deerans also mentioned that they were currently assessing the situation, putting all factors on the table.
“As [it] stands, an assessment to decide whether it is viable to resume classes is being conducted but the safety of the children is paramount,” he explained.
By the looks of things, the protest is likely to continue following reports stating that the City has declined all suggested facilities to accommodate the homeless residents.
Knott confirmed that the residents would no longer be relocated to Laser Park or Ruimsig Athletics Stadium, however, provincial departments have offered them basic services.
“We have withdrawn from Taylor Road. Disaster management brought tents and social development supplied food but occupiers were not willing to discuss any land besides that belonging to the province which is earmarked for another purpose. The Province refused the use of this land and the current state of the property is not conducive for anyone to stay there,” Knott explained.
She added that the use of Ruimsig Athletics Stadium as a temporary option was declined and the MMC for Housing, councillor Mzobanzi Ntuli, was not willing to negotiate any further on the matter.
Knott also cautioned that Taylor Road may experience hostility, but assured that Metro police and private security have been made aware of the situation.
RELATED STORY: Evicted Ward 97 residents take their anger to the streets
https://roodepoortnorthsider.co.za/247217/evicted-residents-from-ward-97-in-honeydew-ridge-take-their-anger-to-the-streets-meanwhile-the-councillor-has-been-notified-of-another-eviction/
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