/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The construction of a new high school in Eerste River started today (30 June 2016). Once the project is complete in mid-2017, it will alleviate overcrowding at other schools in the vicinity. This R60 million project was commissioned by the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). The school will provide accommodation for 1 200 learners.

Most of the school buildings will comprise a framed concrete structure and a mixture of face brick and painted infill walls. Phase 1 will include the construction of the classrooms and administrative building. Phase 2 will include the construction of external works, landscaping and the school hall.

Teaching facilities will comprise 33 standard classrooms, two multi-purpose classrooms, two science laboratory rooms, and a media lab. The complex will also have a hall with toilet facilities, an administrative building and caretaker’s facilities as well as a sports field.

The school will have a number of green features. Rainwater harvesting facilities will help the irrigation of fields and gardens. All classrooms will enjoy a lot of natural light and be well ventilated. The site will be landscaped with a combination of grass and perennial flowering plants, including planters in the courtyard. Trees will be planted in and around the school to provide shade.

DTPW is committed to creating Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) work opportunities through the project, including the vital skills training component. A total of R8 million is expected to go towards targeted contractor businesses, R2,6 million to suppliers and manufacturers, and R3,7 million to targeted local labour.

The WCED has budgeted a total of R1,29 billion in 2016/17 for building and refurbishing school infrastructure across the Western Cape.

Issued by Western Cape Government