The Chaos at Kliptown Primary School: A Community in Crisis

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News Summary

Kliptown Primary School faces a crisis as asbestos structures are vandalized, endangering students and highlighting urgent health risks.

The Chaos at Kliptown Primary School: A Community in Crisis

In a troubling turn of events, the abandoned asbestos structures at Kliptown Primary School, located in Eldorado Park, have become a playground for vandalism and chaos. This year has seen pupils displaced from their classrooms, shifted to mobile classrooms after the original buildings were deemed unsafe and labeled a serious health hazard due to the hazardous materials used in their construction.

Abandoned and Vandalised

Since the relocation of 700 school children on the first day of school on January 15, the once-bustling school has been left in a state of disarray. The new mobile classrooms, which were hurriedly deployed by the Department of Education, fall short of essential requirements. Parents and guardians have openly expressed their concerns regarding the basic inadequacies, such as a lack of water, toilets, and the sheer uncleanliness of the new learning environment. Frustrated at these conditions, they threatened to shut down the school, demanding immediate government action.

A Health Hazard in the Making

Recently, the situation escalated when two men suffered injuries after a section of the old structure collapsed amidst a theft. This dangerous incident unfolded when local community members, in their quest for scrap metal, began to dismantle the decaying buildings without proper safety measures. The Johannesburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) rushed to the scene as the roof caved in, trapping these individuals under debris. Their actions posed not only a risk to their own safety but also threatened the well-being of students nearby.

The Cost of Carelessness

This unsettling act of vandalism highlights a growing problem. Reports have emerged indicating that between two to four men were injured during this build-up of recklessness. Eyewitnesses noted that untrained locals operated without any personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, or adherence to health and safety regulations, amplifying the risk associated with handling hazardous materials like asbestos.

Local Leadership’s Response

Ward Councillor Dwain Ponsonby has expressed outrage over the destruction and the lack of action taken to demolish these unsafe structures. He has faced hostility in attempts to address the situation, even being assaulted with bricks by some members of the community, showcasing the tensions ignited by the dire state of the school. Despite ongoing safety concerns and clear hazards, officials are still awaiting permission to carry out demolition work.

Government’s Pledge

In light of the chaos and clear community distress, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi addressed the matter, confirming the injuries sustained by the two men. As they receive treatment at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, it has become evident that immediate action is required not only to ensure the safety of those involved in the vandalism but also to create secure learning environments for the many children now left vulnerable.

Despite the ongoing issues, Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane has promised to engage with parents and stakeholders about their concerns regarding the current conditions at the school. However, he reminded them that any threats to close the school would result in legal ramifications.

Conclusion

The unsettling events at Kliptown Primary School serve as a glaring reminder of the risks associated with asbestos and unsafe structures. As the community grapples with the consequences of neglect and poor safety practices, a pressing need for urgent governmental intervention remains. The future of the children at Kliptown Primary School hangs in the balance, calling for immediate attention and action to restore safety and proper learning conditions.