Community to get school

The community of Buhle Park in Ekurhuleni will get its first school early next year. The Gauteng MEC for Education promised two schools to the community back in July 2005 in the aftermath of an accident involving a school bus. On the 11th of February (2005) a school bus ferrying learners from Buhle Park to surrounding areas left one learner dead and four without their legs. The school bus collided with a truck near Leondale. Learners in the area have to commute to neighbouring locations to attend school every morning.

Construction of one of the promised school was supposed to begin in 2006 but the contractor failed to await a geotechnical report from the engineers before erecting foundations on site. The contractor was later dismissed and a new one appointed. The latter started construction in June this year and was given 10 months to complete the project. The local councillor and the principal agent have confirmed that the recent contractor was given a go ahead to build the school.

After numerous complaints about the slow progress of the project, and calls to the councilor and the department of Education, things look promising. The residents are expecting the school to be completed at least next year March or April, provided that there won’t be any extras or extensions of time.