R2.5-billion budgeted for school infrastructure
THE construction of Siphumelele High School in Mzingazi is expected to be completed in this financial year.
This was announced by KZN Education
MEC, Kwazi Mshengu, while delivering the department’s budget speech in the provincial legislature last week.
Other schools in the region that will be completed include New Mahlabeni
Lower Primary in uMkhanyakude and Hlolinyoka Primary in the Zululand District.
The department has set aside R2.5-billion in the 2019/20 financial year for the provincial schools infrastructure programme.
‘We will continue with the removal of asbestos roofing in 455 schools, the eradication of pit latrines in 1 377 schools and repairs to storm damaged schools.
‘Our teachers and learners deserve safe schools.
‘All new schools will have smartschool facilities in line with our drive towards e-learning,’ Mshengu said.
The MEC, however, expressed concern about the rise in cases of vandalism and theft at schools.
‘It should be noted that the department will find it very difficult to allocate funds towards repairs as a result of deliberate damage to school infrastructure.
‘While we plead with communities to work with the department, we equally want to send a stern warning that we will not rebuild schools that are deliberately vandalised by communities.
‘People need to take full responsibility for their actions and communities must learn not to protect criminals.
‘We therefore call upon all communities to value and protect their schools from criminal elements,’ he said.