PARENTS of pupils from Uitzig High School barricade the Metro North Education District in Parow

Описание: PARENTS of pupils from Uitzig High School in Elsies River barricaded the education department’s metro offices yesterday (Tuesday), following the announcement that the school will be shut down next month.
The school, which only has 94 pupils - compared to the average of 1300 - has been deemed not fit for people with compromised roof and wall structures, and even exposed asbestos despite the department spending in excess of R2.6million on its upkeep.
“Given the low attendance figures, the lack of appreciable growth potential and the severe state of disrepair which the main building is in, it would be financially imprudent to initiate the building of a completely new replacement school at a current cost of around R60 million to accommodate 94 learners,” MEC Debbie Schafer told the Cape Times.
“None of the original classrooms can be utilised. Notwithstanding constant running repairs that have been done by the department. (Some) 94 learners are being taught in mobile (classrooms) provided by the department and in, terms of the court order, safety, personnel and mobile toilets are being paid for on a monthly basis.
“It is clear that the condition of the existing building is not conducive to continued teaching and is hazardous. The building has been cordoned off and is not used currently due to these risks, which include exposed asbestos, and compromised roof and wall structures.”
But parents are unhappy.
Marilyn Claasen, whose daughter Micaelynn is in Grade 10 at Uitzig, said the school should stay open because it would not be safe for her daughter to travel to other areas.
Another parent, Abdurahman Khan said the closure of the school would only worsen increasing crime rates in the area.
“The shortage of high schools in the area adds to children’s suffering,” he added.
“Free and quality education is needed but the government should address the community to fix and re-open (the school) when it is ready.”
But Schafer says she has consulted and accommodated all 94 pupils:
“In reaching my decision I first ensured that all the current learners will be accommodated at alternative schools. The WCED has arranged for these learners to be placed at other schools within a 4km radius, including Ravensmead HS, St. Andrew's Secondary and Florida HS. Ravensmead HS, which is the Department's preferred choice, is just over 1km away,” Schafer said.
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