The fluctuations and changes in the global economy has also had an impact in the budgetary equitable share dispersed amongst government departments, resulting in changes in the expenditure projections, in particular for capital intensive programmes.
It is for that reason than Eastern Cape Education MEC Mahlubandile Qwase is convening a two day provincial infrastructure workshop at the Education Leadership Institute in Stirling, East London, starting tomorrow 1 September 2009.
The workshop will assess the impact of the new national norms for infrastructure provision in schools and to therefore seek dynamic solutions to current backlogs and baseline for eradication of unsafe and mud structures. The workshop will be graced by national and provincial speakers from the department of education including Head of Department Professor Harry Nengwekhulu and Provincial Infrastructure Head, Zamayedwa Tom.
This workshop is also meant to be as inclusive as possible as implementing agencies like the Coega Development Corporation and the Independent Trust (IDT) have also been roped in to provide their own unique perspective on what can be done hasten the eradication of the debilitating backlog.
The department has been frank in acknowledging that the current annual allocation, amounting to R981 million for this financial year, in no where near the total required to completely overcome the infrastructure backlog, especially the mud schools scattered throughout the Transkei.
Some of these schools need upgrading, while most need total reconstruction as they are completely dilapidated and therefore not conducive for teaching and learning.
In the face of such immense challenges the department realises that this calls for ongoing and inclusive engagement, hence the workshop, which can serve as a fire stoke for many similar engagements at different levels throughout the province.
Members of the media are especially urged to join us for this very important and timely occasion.
Issued by: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Department
1 September 2009
Source: Department of Education, Eastern Cape Provincial Department (http://www.ecdoe.gov.za/)
