‘No funds available’ for crumbling Pretoria primary schools

A broken fence and long grass have been blamed for encouraging Soshanguve residents to dump litter at Phumzile Primary School in Block H.

Principal Amos Dimande said the condition of the school over the past four years has been a source of frustration, he told Pretoria North Rekord.

Dimande said he had reported the matter to the department of basic education at district level but nothing had come of it.

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“As the principal of the school, together with our school governing body, we do not know what is happening, but have been told that funds are not available,” said Dimande.

He said costing for the fence and infrastructure upgrade was done in 2017.

Safety was a major concern for the school, as the fence was broken, allowing criminals easy access into the school, Dimande explained.

“What if the loose fence injures a pupil? The principal would have to answer to the parents. The government has to act swiftly,” said Thobejane.

Community resident, Deborah Magagula is concerned about the poor infrastructure at Phumzile Primary School in Block H.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said there was no budget in the 2019/20 to 2021/22 infrastructure plan, so fencing would not possible until the 2022/3 financial year.

“There are 85 schools in the province in a similar situation. All these schools will be accommodated then,” said Mabona.

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