School construction continues

Construction at 4 schools with structural design defects is continuing, thanks to funding from the national Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). The affected schools are Hawston Primary School, Masakhane Primary School in Gansbaai, Delft South Primary School and Scottsdene Secondary School in Kraaifontein.

The schools were declared structurally unsafe after cracks appeared in halls, walkways, classrooms and computer rooms. Construction works at Masakhane Primary School commenced in July 2016 and are expected to be complete by early 2017 for handover to the WCED.

The other 3 schools were built under the Accelerated Schools Infrastructure Delivery Initiative (ASIDI) of the DBE. The WCED had to obtain funding and approval from DBE to enable the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) to resume the necessary construction and remedial works at these schools. The good news is that approval and funding have now been obtained, and that the contractors and professional teams are currently finalising arrangements to resume work.

DTPW remains committed to delivering quality infrastructure that provides a safe and nurturing environment for all learners on time and within budget.

Both the DTPW and the WCED are grateful for the patience shown by all four communities, school staff and learners during this difficult period.

Follow the Department on Twitter under the hashtag #constructionWC.