20 July 2007
The re-built school that would bring pride to the learners and the community
of Alexandra township was officially handed over by MEC for Housing Nomvula
Mokonyane to the Gauteng Department of Education today.
The school which accommodates more than 1 000 learners was built through the
Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP) which is government's integrated developmental
project aimed at rejuvenating Alexandra township.
Ekukhanyisweni Primary School was built in late 1960. The school was built
with asbestos which posed a health hazard to learners. During the years the
walls of the class rooms started falling apart due to wear and tear which
poised a danger to the safety of both staff and pupils as the asbestos dust was
filling the classrooms everyday. The asbestos school was demolished in
2005.
MEC Mokonyane said the newly built school reflects the good work that the
ARP is doing to give the township a major facelift.
"I would like to acknowledge all those that took time off from their other
important tasks to demonstrate to others that it takes various members of the
community to make something as worthwhile as the building of this new school,"
she said.
The MEC also expressed her pride that the project was completed within the
specified time. "When we announced that the new school will be completed in
eight months, like in any project we undertake some people were not convinced,
but today we have proved that we can do it."
The renewal of Alexandra township is more than just construction of roads
and the cleaning up of the Juskei River. The ARP is also about the building of
social amenities such as clinics, schools, houses and the conversion of hostels
into family units.
"This project is a demonstration of what we have always said that
partnership between government and the private sector has a potential of
changing the lives of our people for the better."
"Now our kids are learning under the most conducive environment as opposed
to the unfriendly and health hazard asbestos structure that housed this school
for a long time," said the MEC.
The MEC said to realise the commitments in all the projects as well as to
meet the deadlines, everyone from members of the community, community workers,
teachers and parents, business should all come together to achieve a common
goal. Mokonyane urged the community to look after the school so that it
continues to produce future leaders and is sustainable.
For more information contact:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 083 602 6169
Victor Moreriane
Cell: 079 529 5836
Issued by: Department of Housing, Gauteng Provincial Government
20 July 2007
