Asbestos Eradication Still Poses A Huge Problem In Johannesburg Schools

Asbestos Eradication: In order to get rid of asbestos related problems, Johannesburg's Gauteng Department of Education’s is committed.

The department has done a lot to get rid of asbestos contamination in schools. But it has still not been fulfilled even after a deadline to remove asbestos contamination after a gap of 7 years.

It was only last week when DA following an oversight visit to one of the affected schools.

It was later confirmed that it falls under one of the 25 affected schools were earmarked for refurbishment to a brick and mortar school.

Among several checks, the star also witnessed the current status of Randfontein Primary School that simply looked a simple school made up of mortar and brick until the authorities had a closer look.

Although, the school looked normal from outside, it still had a layer of mortar and brick. But the authorities were amazed to find a layer of asbestos under the surface.

The school was actually built in the year 1974 and can occupy as many as 1500 students. Recently, the school got the permission to extend its premises for an addition of 250 learners.

It was learnt that Randfontein Secondary is one of the 30 schools situated in Gauteng listed for refurbishment by the province’s department of education.

Also Read: When is Asbestos Dangerous? What's Asbestos Exposure Law?

                                                                     

Asbestos Eradication Still Poses A Huge Problem In Johannesburg Schools

The project work that was to be accomplished for the removal of asbestos layer was to be done on or before by November 29, 2016. But even after a gap of 7 years, the project still remains incomplete.

The deadline for the project completion was set by the authorities way back in November 2013 and had to be completed by November 2022. But nothing happened and the project still lies on the same ground as it was before 7 years back.

This is what one of the officials has to say, “Last time we had a project manager and I still have the file where the department promised that they would rebuild the school at a budget of R250 million.

He added, “Then last year we went to another meeting where they said they will not rebuild the entire school, but would refurbish the asbestos on the same footprint." he said.

When Principal was approached, he said all attempts to refurnish the school were initiated at least 5 years ago. For that many contractors were hired.

They were seen covering both the metal sheet and asbestos walls with a layer of thick brick.

As per the latest report, bricks continue to fall which is giving a direct hazard to all the students and staff.

The principal also stated that the school roof was leaking and on rainy days, there are some classrooms that often become waterlogged.

This is what she further stated, “Our impression when these people came, we thought they would remove asbestos and rebuild the school with bricks. But what they did was to cover the asbestos with one layer of brick. Some of the bricks we have been forced to remove to avoid them falling on pupils’ heads. We are really struggling and some of the teachers have since passed away due to health hazards caused by asbestos,” she said.

Meanwhile, The National Institute for Occupational Health has already put put the figure of asbestos schools in Gauteng to one in eight.

Also Read: Asbestos Exposure: How Diseases & Risks Are Associated With Asbestos Exposure?