Durban — Flood-damaged schools are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
This statement was made by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube on Thursday morning when updating the media about progress made since the floods earlier this year.
“Of the total 356 schools that were damaged by the floods, 46 have been completed, 123 are at the construction stage, and 187 are undergoing procurement. A total of 76 mobile classrooms have been installed in 29 schools in the province,” Dube-Ncube said.
“Those under construction will be completed before the end of February 2023. Sites for 157 of the 187 schools are anticipated to be handed over before the end of November 2022. The balance of 20 of the 187 schools will be under construction within the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year.”
Dube-Ncube said that the construction of these projects was delayed by the requirement of the Real Time Audit by the Provincial Treasury.
Regarding the progress of school repairs by donors, Dube-Ncube said:
- Tsogo Sun has pledged to rehabilitate schools to the value of R3 million and has already transferred the R3 million into the departmental budget.
- For schools under Coega, the implementing agent, contractors are being finalised by November 25, with repairs being completed by the end of March 2023. The schools are Ongane Combined School (Zululand), Lukhasa Secondary School (iLembe), Amandlakhe Secondary School (uMgungundlovu) and Emngangeni Secondary School (Ugu).
- For schools under Sasol, the site handover was conducted on October 4 and will be completed by December 31. These schools are Mlinganiswa Primary (Ugu), Umnini Memorial Primary (Umlazi), Sidiya Junior Primary (Umlazi), Sicelimpilo Primary (Umlazi), Ndabikhona Primary (uMgungundlovu) and KwaMlamuli Primary (uMgungundlovu).
- The Same Foundation has completed the rehabilitation of repairs at Isikhwelo Primary School. The other project at Sandakahle Secondary School (Umlazi) is currently under construction with anticipated completion being December 31.
- Momentum has already implemented the following projects: KwaZamokuhle Primary School (Ugu) and Christianenburg Primary School (Umlazi).
Meanwhile, speaking about health institutions, Dube-Ncube said that health facilities like Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital, uThongathi, Inanda C, Wentworth and Osindisweni were provided water tankers.
However, most health services have been restored in all affected areas and healthcare facilities are fully operational, she said.
“In total, 82 facilities were affected to varying degrees ranging from limited roof leakages to extensive structural damages. The cost of repairs is estimated to be about R280 million. Seventy of these are being repaired and/or renovated through the Department of Public Works, whilst the remaining 12 are being repaired and/or renovated by the KZN Department of Health,” Dube-Ncube said.
Daily News