VEREENIGING. – The incompletion of the Rus-Ter-Vaal Secondary School project has once again come under the spotlight. This is after the school was listed among 17 incomplete schools in the Gauteng Province. The school is among the list of asbestos schools that were supposed to be eradicated in 2016. Another school in Sedibeng District, Lakeside Primary School was also included on the list.
In a statement, Democratic Alliance’s (DA) Shadow MEC for Infrastructure Development Nico De Jager said the the delivery of quality education to pupils continues to be hindered as a result of incomplete school projects.
“The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) does not have the capacity to complete key infrastructure projects on time and within budget. The constant delays in completing the school project deprive our learners of being taught in a conducive environment for learning and teaching.”
De Jager said the most common reasons listed by GDID for incomplete projects are poor contractor performance and the contractor experiencing cash flow problems.
“In addition, the delays are due to interference by so-called business forums. The delays in completing these projects also lead to budget overruns. This costs the taxpayer more money and takes away valuable funds needed for basic service delivery in the province.”
De Jager reiterated that the completion of the schools is critical to easing overcrowding in classrooms. “Some learners still need to travel far because there are no schools close to where they live. With a new school year looming, learners need to benefit from having proper and quality infrastructure.”
The DA has long called on GDID to do a skills audit and to ensure that only contractors who can complete the projects are appointed.
In his response, Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure and Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo said that the Lakeside School project was disrupted by the Business Forum. He stated that the Stakeholder Management is engaging the MEC’s office to intervene.
Talking about the Rus-Ter-Vaal project, Mamabolo said a contractor had been appointed and work to complete the school was underway.
“The project has been significantly affected by the termination of the contractor due to cash flow limitations. The planning process for the completion works has been hindered by disputed final accounts from the terminated contractor, as well as claims from local subcontractors who are owed payments. A completion contractor has been appointed and construction work is currently underway.”
