Eradicating all inappropriate school infrastructure by 2014, which is one of the national government’s imperatives, is gaining a momentum in the Eastern Cape such that five weeks into the new financial year, the department has handed over ten schools to different communities across the province.This week alone about three schools will be delivered to communities in the former Transkei.
One of the three schools to be delivered this week is Mbadango Junior Secondary, a school in the Lusikisiki district to be handed over tomorrow, 12 May 2011 at 10h00.
The comprehensive renovations at the school are as a result of a joint venture between the Eastern Cape Department of Education and IMPALA Platinum, with each partner contributing a ‘Rand for a Rand’ to make this project a success.The original cost for constructing the whole school was R7m but there were additional amounts required to finish of the project: R130 870 to erect a fence and R40 000 for Burglar doors – this again was covered equally by the Department and IMPALA PLATS.
Since the school had a block of four classrooms that were built by the department long time ago, which were not in a good state when the project started with new classrooms, the entire block was renovated. Additionally, Impala and the department recently completed renovating and building of new ablutions facilities.
Although to Impala Implats, partnering in this project is part of its Social Labour Plan, which has benefited the departmental schools especially the OR Tambo District Municipality schools.An external quantity surveyor was appointed for this project as well as Michael Owen, a retired Civil Engineer and a contractor from RSV that was seconded to us as Project Manager (that is RSV’s social Responsibility programme).During the project, Owen added value by training the contractors on site and sits on the school’s planning committee.The department; appreciate this project as it has added value in ensuring that the eradication of mud structures and the provision of school infrastructure becomes a success.
Fact sheet about Mbadango Junior Secondary School:
- The first structure of the school was initially build by the community of Mbadango some years ago (which was already on a brink of collapsing as it was a mud structure).
- The new school structure consist of:
- reception classroom ( Grade R)
- four new classrooms
- two classroom block one with two classrooms and another with three classrooms
- Renovationswere done to the Administration block; Ablution facilities (12+2 Staff & Disabled Facility).
- External Works included: Bulk Earthworks, Rainwater Channels, Rainwater Tanks and Stands, Concrete Walkway, Assembly Slab, Fencing to reception classroom, Electrical Installation (Solar Electrical) – upgrade of existing system only.
Members of the media fraternity and communities in and around Lusikisiki are cordially invited to witness the strides of progress made by the department to ensure that teaching and learning takes place in a conducive environment.
Enquiries:
Loyiso Pulumani
Cell: 083 275 0675
Tel: 040 608 4494
