A group of frustrated residents are still protesting against the construction of a new high school that’s currently being built on Coniston Park after the area’s play park equipment was dismantled last week.
The contractors tasked with the school’s construction took down the park’s play equipment as it was located where the school will be constructed, confirmed Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond.
“The play equipment will be handed to the City of Cape Town, for relocation elsewhere in the ward. Further enquiries regarding the playpark can be directed towards the City,” she said.
On Friday 22 August, approximately 40 residents representing the Coniston Park Residents and Ratepayers Association (CPRRA), staged a peaceful protest against the school construction.
The contractors commenced construction on Friday 15 August.
The City’s Recreation and Parks Department says that historically the park was developed within a public open space owned by the Western Cape Government.
“Now that the property is being developed by the Western Cape Government as a school, the property will no longer be a park. The play equipment on site will be removed by the recreation and parks department and will be stored at a depot until such time a decision is taken to be re-installed at an identified location within the same ward,” explained the City.
When People’s Post enquired as to whether a new park will be built and when this would happen the City referred our queries to the Western Cape Government.
The WCED reiterated that it met with the community prior to the start of construction.
“A Noise Impact Assessment and Noise Management Plan has been completed for the school, which was approved by the City,” Hammond added.
At the protest on Friday 22 August some senior residents feared that the school could bring noise and criminals to their community.
The WCED says it is not aware of any reports related to the disturbance of the elderly, due to the proximity of these schools.
“School forms an essential part of any integrated residential development and is essential for the development of a functional society. Schools around the world are located near retirement homes, retirement villages, etc. Both Steenberg High School and Steenberg Primary School, located in the area, have been in operation for many years and is located near Mandolin Place which is a facility for persons over the age of 60,” said Hammond.
To aid their ongoing protest the CPRRA have partnered with the National Coloured Congress (NCC), confirmed vice-chair Keegan Ford.
When asked whether the WCED is engaging with the protesters to solve this issue and come to an agreement, Hammond said: “The WCED did engage the community (ratepayers and councillor) prior to the start of construction and no formal request for further engagement has been made. The WCED has development rights and building plan approval to build a high school for 375 learners, which will comprise of 12 classrooms. The WCED will continue with its vision of establishing good quality education facilities throughout the city and province.”
People’s Post reached out to Ward 68 councillor Marita Petersen for comment but she could not respond before the time of publication.
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