Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development Ms Qedani Mahlangu has expressed confidence that the scheduled completion of 9 schools currently under construction will alleviate pressure on the province’s schooling system.
MEC Mahlangu was speaking after she concluded the first leg of her tour of school construction sites today. The MEC has commended the completion of Chief Albert Luthuli primary school in Daveyton within record time of 4 months, and the scheduled completion of Palm Ridge secondary school in Thokoza, ahead of schedule in June.
The MEC says the rapid completion of schools of the highest standard vindicates government’s decision to invest in the employment of project management and technical personnel, who are better placed to appoint and manage contractors.
“In total there are 9 new schools that we’ve been building since November last year. Bearing in mind that there was a whole month of holidays in December, perhaps up to the last week of January, I’m pleased that for the first time in Gauteng we completed schools in less than 6 months,” said MEC Mahlangu.
MEC Mahlangu also emphasized the positive impact the schools will have, particularly those being built in townships and informal settlements.
“Some schools are overcrowded and completion of these schools will alleviate a lot of pressure for the schools and learners. I think we are really giving dignity to the black and African children who are living in these communities,” said the MEC.
At Chief Albert Luthuli primary school in Daveyton, MEC Mahlangu inspected the now complete state of the art facility. Built at a cost of R 58 million, it comes complete with a science laboratory, library, as well as multi-purpose sports facilities that cater for soccer, rugby, athletics, basketball and netball.
The school is also fitted with solar water geysers. Palm Ridge secondary school is being built at a cost of R62 million and is due for completion ahead of schedule in June. MEC Mahlangu will on Thursday visit school construction sites in Soshanguve and Noordwyk.
For further enquiries:
Thulasizwe Simelane, MEC Qedani Mahlangu’s spokesperson
Cell: 081 031 3518
Tel: 011 355 5004
E-mail: Thulasizwe.Simelane@gauteng.gov.za
