17 incomplete schools in Gauteng hinders delivery of quality education

Issued by Nico De Jager MPL – DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Infrastructure Development
02 Oct 2024 in Press Statements

The Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) does not have the capacity to complete key infrastructure projects on time and within budget. There are currently 17 schools at various stages of completion in the province. The constant delays in completing the school project deprive our learners of being taught in a conducive environment for learning and teaching.

The most common reasons listed by GDID for incomplete projects are poor contractor performance and the contractor experiencing cash flow problems. In addition, the delays are due to interference by so-called business forums.

Please see the reply here.

According to the department, the following schools are still not completed:

1. Athlone Girls High School

2. Semphato Combined School

3. Dr WK Du Plessis LSEN

4. Inkululeko Ye Sizwe Primary School

5. Simunye Primary School

6. Ribane Laka Secondary School

7. Kwadedangendlala Secondary School

8. Thubelihle Intermediary School

9. Ahanang Intermediary School

10. Lakeside Primary School

11. Nancefield Primary School

12. Mogobeng Primary School

13. Rust Ter Vaal Secondary School

14. Hillcrest Primary School

15. Tsako Thabo Primary School

16. Refitlhile Pele Primary School

17. Goudwesskool LSEN

The delays in completing these projects not only put learning at risk but also led to budget overruns. This costs the taxpayer more money and takes away valuable funds needed for basic service delivery in the province.

In addition, the completion of these schools is critical to easing overcrowding in classrooms. Furthermore, some learners still need to travel far because there are no schools close to where they live. With a new school year looming, learners need to benefit from having proper and quality infrastructure.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has, for the longest time, called on GDID to do a skills audit and to ensure that only contractors who can complete the projects are appointed.

A DA government will ensure that all contractors who are unable to complete projects on time and within budget are blacklisted from doing business with the government. Furthermore, we will immediately conduct a skills audit to ensure that all officials appointed have the skills needed to do the job.