Completion expected soon on brand new R60 million Eerste River HS project | Western Cape Government

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Completion expected soon on brand new R60 million Eerste River HS project

10 October 2017

Today, Minister Schäfer and Minister Grant visited the new Eerste River High School in Blue Downs, Cape Town. The brand new, state-of-the-art, R60 million school is fast nearing completion since construction commenced in June 2016. This 16 month project will provide a much-needed school for the Eerste River community, in response to the ever-increasing population numbers in the area.

This 1200-capacity high school will house grade 8 to 12 learners, teaching and support staff, with a planned future expansion that would see capacity increased to 1480 learners.

The building of this school has required the participation and cooperation of the Western Cape Departments of Education and Transport and Public Works.

The new school will consist of:
 

  • 33 classrooms
  • 2 specialist classrooms,
  • 2 science laboratories,
  • 1 multi-media centre,
  • 1 CAT Laboratory,

"The WCED will spend R1.239bn on building and refurbishing school infrastructure across the province. The projects will be implemented by the Department of Transport and Public Works."

"This R60 million Eerste River High School project included extensive construction work as well as empowerment opportunities for the benefit of targeted enterprises and local labourers. A total of 22% of the construction value was allocated to targeted enterprises, while 6% was dedicated to local labour. The National Youth Services (NYS) provided 10 life skills training opportunities which took place off site, while an additional 10 building trades training opportunities were provided on-site during the duration of the project," said Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant.

"The WCED invests heavily in school infrastructure to meet the demands for schooling in the province, and to improve the quality of our schools as teaching and learning spaces. I am pleased that we have been able to deliver a school that the Eerste River community can be proud of, and its learners can thrive in", said Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer.

"I also want to appeal to all role-players in the community to join forces to protect the school and in doing so, protect the education of our children. It is important for communities to take ownership of the schools in their area and realize that they have an important role to play in protecting their community's assets. I really hope that this new school will be an institution of quality teaching and learning, where learners and teachers are safe and secure", said Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer.

We are confident that once the doors are open, this new school will be become an institution of teaching and learning, where learners, educators and parents are safe and secure, and where quality learning can take place.

Eerste River High School will open its doors in 2018 to Grade 8 and 9 learners.

Media Enquiries: 

Jessica Shelver
Spokesperson to Minister of Education, Debbie Schäfer
076 175 0663
Jessica.shelver@westerncape.gov.za
 
Siphesihle Dube
Spokesperson to Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant
084 233 3811
Siphesihle.Dube@westerncape.gov.za