Shocking state of buses risking pupils’ lives

A DAMNING report on transport for pupils, conducted by the KZN Transport Portfolio Committee, highlights complaints and reveals some service providers are not complying with roadworthiness and safety standards.

Those found at fault stand to lose their contracts should they fail to provide proof of repairs having been done.

Last week, the Sunday Tribune published a story about buses transporting pupils at Mdlangathi High School in the KwaMachi area of Harding.

Many parents had questioned the roadworthiness of the buses.

The committee visited the school and inspected the buses that parents feared were still being used despite their inadequate state.

Some buses had no windscreens or hooters, were dirty and had torn seats, and many were rusty.

Chairperson Mxolisi Kaunda said the committee found the buses were unroadworthy and did not meet safety standards.

“The RTI (Road Traffic Inspectorate) said two buses had been suspended, and those left should be in good condition. They were not; some were old, some had no lights. There were many challenges. I would not put my child on such a bus.

“Those that did not meet the requirements should be taken off the road immediately. We have yet to receive a comprehensive report from the RTI and the department.

“We will continue with the oversight visits in other areas.”

The report revealed that an application for the renewal of operating and licensing permits had been made for the buses transporting pupils to Mdlangathi, although proof had not yet been provided.

Kaunda said the committee also visited Colenso Combined School and Mbono High School.

“With regard to the buses transporting pupils, in the contract there is a clause that if a service provider defaults, there should be penalty.

Those who default in the system should not come back; we can’t put the lives of people in danger.

School governor Alfred Mteshane said: “There are still four buses operating that are not new. They appear to have been serviced, but there is not much change. Since schools are about to close, we would be happy to get new buses, because the safety of our children should come first.”

DA MPL Rafeek Shah said he was unhappy.

“Why did it take the committee to discover buses that were not roadworthy? What is the RTI doing if they fail to catch these buses?

“Some service providers said they were repairing buses but did not submit any proof. Why should we trust them and just take them at their word?

“We visited only a few areas, and the situation makes me wonder what the situation is like in other areas. All buses should be inspected before service providers are given contracts,” he said.