School sited next to slum
“No-one seems to know who needs to solve the issue,” were the words of Clairwood Boys Primary School principal, Tayob Hamode, venting his frustration at the Municipality's lack of service delivery.
Over three months of contacting various municipal departments, requesting them to clean-up an area outside the school’s palisade fence next to the southern freeway, have proved futile.
He said the area has not been cleaned in years. “Everyone I have called says it doesn’t fall under their jurisdiction, they are are just passing the buck to one-another.” Vagrants have been conducting illegal activities including the use of drugs and have built shacks on the land.
“The biggest problem is the drug addicts hanging around the area. My boys are exposed to these activities as they can see through the fence. They also intimidate the boys and this becomes a security risk. Because the place is so dirty, it’s a perfect hide-out for them. I have had to call the police a number of times, who have been helpful, but the drug dealers just runaway as soon as they see them coming.”
In an SMS sent to a parks department official who promised to help the school last month, the principal wrote: “I am still waiting for your feedback concerning the area along the southern freeway next to my school that needs to be cleaned.” The official’s response was: “Thanks this was sent out to two different groups to attend to the problem.”
Four workers from the roads department were seen cleaning the area on Friday, 25 October. According to the principal, the area looks the same. In an attempt to rid the area of the squatters, the principal and his ground-keeper demolished three shacks built by the people.
It is not the first time the school has been displeased with the municipality’s lack of service. Over the years the school has had issues with factories dumping their waste near their property. When the school tried to obtain assistance from the department, their service was not efficient.
“We are pleading with the municipality, for whichever department is responsible for the area to help us solve the problem.”
Ward 32 councillor, William Zenzile visited the school on Monday, 4 November. He said: “The area is very hidden and covered in trees. It needs special attention and the trees need to be trimmed. A programme to clean the area also needs to be put in place. When I arrived I did not find any vagrants, but I did notice their shacks had been demolished.”
Despite attempts made to elicit a comment from the municipality, none was forthcoming at the time of going to print.
– mbalim@dbn.caxton.co.za
