Dear Editor
Following a briefing by the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) on school infrastructure, it was revealed that a total of 28 replacement school projects had been listed over the next three years. This is in line with ensuring that there is sufficient capacity to provide quality education for every child in every classroom in the Western Cape.
This forms part of the budget allocation of R553 million towards school infrastructure in the current financial year. R161 million is directed towards the replacement school sub-programme, which aims to replace existing school structures with ones that allow for long-term capacity. The remaining funds are earmarked to 151 preventative maintenance projects, and, in doing so, prevents any costly and unplanned maintenance in the future. These programmes keep our schools in running order and create safe teaching environments for learners.
We were once again reminded of the long-term impact of Covid-19, and the consequences it has on our budgets and interventions. In the 2020/21 financial year, the intended infrastructure budget was cut and reprioritised towards supporting our Covid-19 efforts, specifically for the procurement of PPE. This meant that the total allocation of R1.74 billion was cut by R484.9 million or 27%. Whilst almost 40% of this decrease was returned during the adjustment budget period, the effects of delayed projects are still being felt.
MPP Botha: “Despite the challenges faced by the education portfolio, we can see how our provincial department stands head and shoulders above the rest. As of now, there are 15 schools which are planned to be upgraded or replaced in 2021/22. This is in addition to 129 mobile classrooms delivered thus far, with 173 more in the process of being delivered.
All of this forms the backbone of recovery and the foundation to do even better. Investing in our schools’ infrastructure will see learners all across the province receive the quality education they deserve.”
Regards
Lorraine Botha, MPP
DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Education
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