Upington school has a wee problem

Selby Nomnganga

More than 900 pupils at Ibhongo Lethu Primary School in Upington started school yesterday with no toilets at all.

There are four blocks of about six classrooms for grades 1 to 7, with toilets in each block. But the toilets were vandalised in late 2018 and repairs only started last month because, in the meantime, other problems developed connecting toilets from the new Grade R classes to the sewerage system.

Four mobile toilets were hired in 2018.

Since then, the Grade R toilets have been connected, but the toilets for grades 1 to 7 are still not working. Staff use the toilets in the administration block.

On the opening day of school pupils did not even have the mobile toilets anymore because the provider claims to have not been paid for 2019 and has removed them.

Newly appointed school principal Daniel Mokopi says: “We will hire mobile toilets again.”

But Mxolisi Links of toilet provider Yonwabo O’loo says he will not supply toilets until the previous debt of about R21 600 is settled. The fee was R100 per day and R140 to service weekly.

GroundUp sent questions to education MEC Mac Jack.

In response, he quoted from his general school readiness statement: “We will continue to do routine maintenance to schools and hostels, especially as it relates to the provision of water and sanitation.”

The building contractor could not be reached for comment.

– Republished from Groundup.