A ceiling collapsed in a classroom at Eldridge Primary School, the second one since construction took place and was halted.
Poor project management and an unclear mandate are the reason that R18 million allocated for Elridge Primary School was misused, according to Khume Ramulifho the Democratic Alliance shadow for MEC of education, when he paid a visit to the school in March.
The building came to a halt when, according to the School Governing Body’s (SGB) Taurochell Gounder, it was discovered that poor material was used, the quality of work was also below standard.
The school hall has since been split into eight classrooms with little ventilation and echoes of noise from classroom to classroom.
“The first ceiling that caved in was repaired by the school, that was the classroom next to the one where the second ceiling collapsed.
“Another ceiling is cracking,” Gounder said.
Pupils from the affected classroom were split up into other classes, resulting in overcrowding.
They allege that dust would constantly fall from the ceiling to their desks and books.
Pupils, teachers, and the community took to the streets this morning demanding that the department of education act immediately.
MMC for environment and infrastructure Tshidi Mfikoe said she is unaware of the matter and is unable to comment.
“The safety of our pupils and teachers is our main concern now.
“We are grateful that nobody was in the classroom when the ceiling caved in,” said Gounder.
No response was received from the department of education at the time of going to print.
