**Nancefield Primary School Reconstruction in Johannesburg: Delays, Building Mafia and Call for Official Intervention**
The reconstruction of Nancefield Primary School in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, was launched in 2019 with an initial budget of R96 million. However, six years later, and after spending over R56 million, the project is far from complete. Parents in the area are accusing an alleged “building mafia” of delaying the work and are calling for an official investigation.
Nancefield Primary School was identified for reconstruction due to the use of unsafe asbestos materials. Students were moved to portable classrooms in 2018, pending reconstruction. However, despite the investment and efforts, the project has encountered many obstacles.
Praylene van Reenen, chair of the school’s management committee, pointed out that parents mobilised last year by closing the school to demand an explanation for the delays. Following an inspection of the works, it was discovered that some buildings had been constructed incorrectly and were to be demolished, causing further delays.
The project resumed in August this year, but residents and parents claim that the “building mafia” is interfering in the process and colluding with some local councillors. This situation has led Petunia Bailey, a member of the neighbourhood committee, to request the intervention of the relevant authorities to investigate the allegations.
On the other hand, Charis Pretorius of the organisation “Coloured Lives Count Too” contradicted the existence of a building mafia, stressing instead the need for local businesses to have a fair share in community projects. Tensions between outside and local businesses contribute to the complexity of the situation.
Despite promises by the Gauteng Provincial Department of Infrastructure to complete construction within the next 12 months, parents and SGB members are expressing frustration at the delays. Children have continued to be educated in mobile classrooms since 2018, affecting their well-being and education.
In conclusion, it appears that the reconstruction of Nancefield Primary School is the latest example of the challenges faced in delivering community projects. Delays, allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest have fuelled uncertainty and frustration among residents. It is essential that steps are taken to ensure transparency and efficiency in community development projects, to ensure an environment conducive to the education and growth of future generations.