DA’s oversight visit reveals overdue construction deadline in Soweto
Khume Ramulifho paid an oversight visit to the Bramfisher Primary School and Nanciefield Primary School to assess the progress of construction.
Shadow MEC for Education and MPL of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng, Khume Ramulifho on Tuesday, August 16 paid an oversight visit to the Bramfisher Primary School and Nanciefield Primary School in Soweto.
ALSO READ: Foundation donates to Lufhereng Primary School
Ramulifho’s visit was to assess the progress of construction at the said schools which was supposed to have been completed in 2019.
Speaking to the media during his visit, The DA MPL said while he was pleased that learners had moved into classes, it was disappointing that the construction of the school had not been completed.
“We are glad to see there is progress however we are concerned that it will not meet the deadline.
“The last phase which includes the sports facility, school hall and nutrition centre have not begun and will only be completed in March of 2023.
“Another outstanding issue is the matter relating to the school fence. We have been advised that the matter is currently in the High Court, which we will wait for the court judgement which will delay the completion of the project,” he said, adding that learners needed to find a fully functional school in the new academic year.
ALSO READ: 200 children attend extra classes in Eldos
“The shadow MEC of education lambasted the lack of accountability from the Departments overseeing the building of schools.
“We are of the view that Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) has been employing people who are not ready and is failing to hold them to account.
“There have been a lot of unnecessary delays while learners and teacher continue to work in unsafe environments and we can’t allow that. It’s more than five years which is unacceptable,” he said.
He further called on government department to review how contractors are hired citing that the referral system currently in place was simply failing to deliver completed projects.
“We also made a call as the DA, that the Department of Education should just continue running their own programmes.
“So infrastructure projects and budgets must be located in the department and they run with it on their own,” he said.
The former mobile container school which has over 1300 learners made headlines in 2021 after overcrowding at the institution led to some of the learners being taught outside.
At Nancefield Primary School, the construction site was left abandoned and material left to gather dust.
ALSO READ: Foundation strives to keep girls in school with sanitary drive campaign
Ramulifho lambasted the delays citing these were depriving learners of access to a conductive learning and teaching environment.
He said he was worried about the safety and health risks involved and would be tabling questions to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on why the construction was abandoned.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
