How long will Cornfields Primary School survive without water?
The principal bought water previously but claims it is expensive and only lasts for a period of four days
The average human can survive for three to five days without water, but Cornfields Primary School has gone without water for 10 years. They have a roll of 710 learners, aged from five-years-old upwards. At times the learners suffer from dehydration.
They have to use pit toilets (only eight available), which is very unhealthy. The school has 20 flushing toilets that have to be closed. The school has a nutrition programme and without clean water, cooking to feed these learners is becoming a problem.The school’s main source of water is rain, but unfortunately it hasn’t been raining lately.
All stakeholders took the initiative to drill a borehole, but unfortunately after Kwamanzi Drilling CC had drilled 150m there was still no sign of water. Children, staff and School Governing Body members looked on with excitement as the drilling process took place. All stakeholders were disappointed as a large amount of money was spent.
The principal Mr BJ Mdakane also liased with Uthukela District Municipality in Ladysmith, only to find that the school has to purchase the water.The principal bought water previously but claims it is expensive and only lasts for a period of four days. Mr Mdakane is now in communication Uthukela representative from Estcourt who called at the school to check if they can connect the school’s pipelines to an existing scheme.
The school is currently waiting for an outcome. This will cost the school a further sum of money, which is currently unavailable. Anyone who can assist with this regard is welcome to contact the principal, Mr BJ Mdakane on 082 400 8260.
