WCED builds hundreds of classrooms to keep up with the increase of learner placements

Two hundred and fifty-five classrooms have so far been built in the Western Cape, as the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) tries and accommodate hundreds of unplaced learners in the province's schools

“Learners are already in class at brand new schools in Belhar, Kwanokuthula, Fisherhaven, Saldanha, Hout Bay and Macassar. New classrooms have been added to existing schools across the province, where demand for placement is highest,” said David Maynier, Western Cape Education MEC.

National treasury cut the Western Cape's education budget by R716.4 million, as the WCED further struggles with the increasing demand to place learners.

“We have been hard at work since before schools reopened to find places for learners in the 2024 school year, and to complete our extensive infrastructure programme to create additional places. The massive current financial year R716.4 million blow to our overall budget last year came at a time when we needed the funds to build more schools and employ more teachers, as admissions demands ramped up,” said Maynier

“Equally damaging was the uncertainty created by the collapse of the national budget process, which meant that we could not enter into contracts or start building projects until late last year when the adjustment budget was announced,” he added.

COURTESY: WCED

The MEC said despite these tremendous challenges, its officials and contractors have been hard at work to deliver new schools and additional classrooms. A further 317 classrooms are currently in construction at new and existing schools, with delivery dates starting from the end of the month.  Maynier says since the WCED secured an interdict against disruptions at the construction site of two new schools at Blueridge Sports Grounds, they have been making steady progress toward delivering the first phase later this year.

“Construction of Lwandle Primary School is also back on track, and we are hoping to have this completed with 8 classrooms before the second term begins, barring any further delays,” said David Maynier, Education MEC

“As extremely late applicants arrive, we are determining where we need to redirect resources to accommodate them. We appreciate the incredible work that our infrastructure team, district officials, schools and contractors are doing in very trying conditions. Many of them skipped their end of year holidays to accelerate completion of classrooms for the new year, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed,” he added.

 

Done By: Mitchum George