MEC Martin Meyer addresses concerns over the bus depot’s potential risk to pupils at Havenpark Secondary School.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
Authorities in KwaZulu-Natal are set to investigate the controversial use of Havenpark Secondary School as a depot for buses and trucks, raising concerns about the impact on education and community.
The investigations will be carried out by the departments of Public Works and Infrastructure and Education.
A fenced-off section of the school grounds serves as a depot containing buses, minibuses, tyres, shipping containers, wooden structures, and miscellaneous items.
Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) MEC Martin Meyer said the community complained about a bus depot operating on school property, without planning permission.
Martin Meyer with the school principal.
Image: Video Screenshot
“Our officials came here last week to investigate, and they were forcibly removed from the school. They even called the police on our officials, refusing them entry to do their jobs,” Meyer said.
Meyer said the department had a job to do, and no one had the right to stop a government official from doing their legal duty.
“This is the first time a school has tried to stop us from investigating. We’ve never had any issues before,” Meyer said, questioning why the school forcibly removed the officials if “everything is above board”.
He said the depot brought a “severe health risk and safety risk to the learners” and explained that his department was the “custodian and caretaker of all provincial government properties within KZN”.
Authorities investigate the unapproved bus depot at Havenpark Secondary School, raising community concerns.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
He said he understood schools could raise funds, even by renting property, but regulated renting space for tuckshops or churches was typically permitted.
“But something like this that is against the bylaws of the city, that is against the land use of the property, and what we as Public Works have assigned as property cannot be allowed, and it must be investigated,” Meyer said.
He added that there was a structure that was erected illegally on DPWI land and that bylaws, construction laws and land use laws exist to protect..
Meyer said he raised this matter with Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka on Wednesday.
He said the officials were allowed to do the inspection on Thursday, and once complete, a report would go to him and the Education Department for a final decision.
An illegal structure (far right) on DPWI land raises questions about compliance with local regulations.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
KZN Legislature Standing Committee on Public Accounts chairperson Tim Brauteseth said the facility, which was effectively a bus depot, had been put in place without any consultation with residents and without road assessments.
“All the roads around here are single-lane roads and not suited to carry heavy-duty bus traffic on them. There are environmental impacts, and there are sound pollution impacts,” Brauteseth said.
Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi confirmed that the department was aware of the school renting part of its premises to a private business.
He said the head of department countered that while schools have delegated fund-raising powers, those powers have limitations, which the school implemented in its fund-raising.
“The head of department has directed that the district director and circuit management office go to the school, investigate what is happening there, so that immediate actions could be taken if warranted to do so,” Mahlambi said.
The owner, whose name is unconfirmed, acknowledged DPWI was at the school but declined to answer questions. He said DPWI should speak to him and the school.
The school governing body could not be reached for comment.
Pastor Mervin Reddy highlights the disruption caused by heavy vehicle traffic near the school.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/ Independent Newspapers
Resident Pastor Mervin Reddy believes buses have been in the area since October, and a truck yard began operating last week.
Reddy said the planned depot, housing 35 horses and trailers, could cause severe disruption.
“We’ve asked for the immediate suspension of any activities in the truck yard and we want the leases for the logistics and the bus company to be terminated immediately,” Reddy said.