Eighty-two schools in WC damaged, following inclement weather, as third term gets underway

Eighty-two schools in the Western Cape were damaged, following inclement weather experienced over the province in the past few days. Learners returned to schools on Tuesday, for the third term.

COURTESY: X - @DavidMaynier

According to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), the majority of cases are minor, with 31 cases regarded as more serious. This includes schools where roof sheeting was blown off.

‘’It was a wet and cold start to the school term with teaching and learning resuming at the majority of our schools, barring five schools, which were officially closed. The schools were closed as a result of either flooding, inaccessibility to access routes and damage to the school building,’’ said Bronagh Hammond, WCED: Director Communication.

‘’The WCED infrastructure sub-directorate has been assessing the damages and prioritizing repair work based on immediate risks and needs. Repair work has already begun on some projects. We appreciate the efforts of the teams especially under the continuous wet weather conditions. Schools have cordoned off areas that are affected and are making alternative arrangements where required,’’ she added.

Hammond confirmed that schools will continue to remain open on Wednesday, adding that individual requests for closure will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

‘’The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is having continuous engagements with the South African Weather Services and Provincial Disaster Management Committee.’’

The WCED appealed to communities to discontinue spreading false information, following a number of posts on social media that indicated that all schools were closed, which was false.

‘’Parents are to please address any queries with their schools directly, or visit the WCED media page for updates,’’ advised Bronagh Hammond, WCED: Director Communication.

 

Done By: Mitchum George