City builds two ECD centres

TWO MORE Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres have been built by the City of Cape Town at a cost of more than R21 million.

Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith said the centres in Athlone and Delft are the latest in a series of ongoing interventions.

“These projects target areas in great need and ensure easier access to quality ECD facilities for children in areas of greatest need in the metro pole.

“The completion of the two EDC centres was our top priority in this financial year, along with resourcing and training interventions for ECDs.”

The completion of the Nantes ECD in Silvertown, Athlone, which was built at an overall cost of R8.8m is fully operational. The centre is just under 500m² and includes three classrooms for children aged three to four and two classrooms for 4-5 years. There is also a baby area, sick bay, staff room, ablution facilities, kitchen area and a store room. Outside, the facility boasts two fully-equipped play areas, a food garden, a recycling area and a collection and drop-off zone.

The centre is able to house over 100 children.

Smith said they are at their final stage with the construction of a new Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Delft.

“The Delft ECD will be able to house up to 200 children and is expected to be operational towards the end of May. Built at an overall cost of R13m, the centre features a number of unconventional design and construction features, resulting in a saving of approximately 30%.

“The building focuses heavily on the reuse of materials and nearly 1 500m² of pavers were reclaimed from a demolition site and reused at the school.”

The Nantes and Delft ECD centres bring to 32 the number of City-owned ECDs under the Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department, which are leased to private operators.

The City is committed to giving as many children the opportunity of a quality early learning platform as possible, added Smith.

Sihle Ngobese spokesperson for Albert Fritz, Minister of Social Development said they are obligated by the legislation to register ECDs and other NGOs.

“We have collaborated with the City for ECD registration drives in Belhar, Ocean View, Wallacedene, Macassar, Wesbank, Milnerton and Atlantis.

‘DELFT ECD WILL BE ABLE TO HOUSE UP TO 200 CHILDREN AND OPENS IN MAY’