9 Projects Completed - DID’s R&R Programme Gains Critical Momentum

The Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) , school Rehabilitation and Refurbishment (R&R) programme has completed nine projects. According to the? MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development, Lebogang Maile , “This Rehabilitation and Refurbishment programme is transforming? school infrastructure in Gauteng Province and promoting equality. The rehabilitation and refurbishment work undertaken by the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) is? extensive and will ensure that these schools receive a new lease on life.”

Completed primary schools include Krugerlaan, Kgatoenhle, Mulbarton, Setloana, Frikkie Meyer, Laerskool Unifees and Marotola. Additionally, Soshanguve and Vereeniging Gymnasium secondary schools have been completed.

According to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature ,? Portfolio Committee Chairperson on Infrastructure Development, Hon. Bones Modise,? the R&R programme implementation at Kgatoenhle Secondary School is, “Exactly what we want to see, when the Contractor has been given an opportunity to uplift and empower society - not only concentrating on filling their own pockets but making sure that the beneficiaries are able to use the facilities”.

Kgatoenhle Secondary School, Principal, Joshua Aron Mpete, was ecstatic about the R&R programme saying, “I'm a proud Principal. This school is one of the best schools in the Townships - it contains all the all the resources that Teachers and Learners require. The classrooms? have the Internet and Learners are using tablets. I am proud to announce that we have two new Consumer Centers so our Learners can gain culinary skills and cook professionally.? This school now has a Nutrition Center where more than 800 learners eat daily. I am proud to say, we now have a Multipurpose Hall which accommodates more than 1000 Learners. I am a happy Principal!”.

The ?R&R scope of work includes the repair of structural defects, upgrade of water reticulation, removal of asbestos contamination, demolition of unsafe classrooms, repair of damaged facilities, construction of school halls and administration blocks, repair or replacement of? ablution facilities and installation of electrical fire protection systems.

The Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) R&R programme focuses on renovating and refurbishing Gauteng Provincial Government educational facilities, ensuring the eradication of ?asbestos, reducing the number of mobile classrooms in use ?and responding to the growing population in Gauteng by increasing classrooms and reducing over-crowding. The R&R programme has created job opportunities for both skilled and unskilled community stakeholders.

?The Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) is set to rehabilitate and refurbish over 200 aged and dilapidated townships schools in the Province. The R&R programme is implemented ?using a phased approach to allow for effective learning and teaching to continue uninterrupted.

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