Ekurhuleni’s Mayoral Committee Member for Social Development, Ms Bridget Thusi, has undertaken to prioritise the opening of the neglected Eden Park Centre for Early Childhood Development in Alberton after pressure from the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus).
The Centre, which was constructed at a cost of R20 million and officially inaugurated in July 2021, is yet to take in any children.
A tender process to lease and operate the fully furnished Centre was unsuccessful and was, consequently, cancelled in November 2024.
No bids had been received in the three years that the tender was open.
Meanwhile, some of the lights have been stolen along with a pressure pump servicing two 20 000 litre water tanks.
The Metro’s security is responsible for guarding the Centre.
According to Thusi, she and the Mayor, Mr Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, will discuss the matter as soon as possible.
At the moment, the Centre is a white elephant while there is a great need for early childhood development in the community.
