The Gauteng Department of Education has said that the Goza Primary School in Freedom Park is not yet connected to the municipal electricity grid and water due to historical reasons.
Spokesperson Oupa Bodibe said the division has received several media queries regarding the lack of water and electricity at the school.
He said the division can confirm that in the last week there was discontinuous water and electricity supply.
“It must be noted that the school is a mobile structure due to lack of educational site/land in Freedom Park.
“Hence, Goza primary was accommodated on the same site as Somelulwazi Primary School pending subdivision of the two pieces of land by the Department of Human Settlements,” he said.
Bodibe said a 50kVa 3 phase generator was installed this year to supply electricity to the school.
“Three water tanks with a combined capacity of 25 000 litres have been installed at the schools. The tanks are being replenished on a daily basis.
“We have established that water gets depleted before the end of school day and we are investing the cause. We suspect there is a leak in the pipes and a plumber will be on site to investigate and fix the problem,” he stated.
He said the department has also established that the generator is faulty and experiencing a mechanical breakdown.
“An electrician has been deployed to determine the cause and fix the generator. In the event, it cannot be fixed the department will replace the generator.
“We apologise for the irregular supply of water and electricity at the school. We view this in a serious light as it affects teaching and learning but appeal for patience as we are addressing the problem,” said Bodibe.
GDE said it is engaging the Department of Human Settlements to subdivide the stands currently occupied by Goza Primary and Somelulwazi Primary School.
