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The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Free State is taking decisive action to address the alarming negligence displayed by the Free State Department of Basic Education (DBE) concerning the dire conditions at Willows Farm School. Led by Mariette Pittaway MPL, and supported by Baxolile 'Bax' Nodada MP and Marina van Zyl MP, the DA conducted an oversight visit to the school to assess the situation.

During the visit, it was discovered that despite the availability of a donated container with flush toilets, the school still relies on pit toilets for both staff and learners. The failure of the DBE to connect the provided flush toilets to the school's plumbing, despite a reliable water supply from a functioning borehole, has left the children in an unsafe and unsanitary environment.

Furthermore, it came to light that an additional container with toilets, brought by the Department, has remained locked and unused since 2018. Consequently, the students are left with no choice but to relieve themselves outside or carry heavy 20-litre bottles to collect water, putting their health and dignity at risk, despite their young age.

In collaboration with local councillor Dave McKay, Mariette Pittaway MPL will hold meetings with the parents of the affected students. They will work together to draft a petition that will be delivered to the Department of Education, demanding immediate action to address this dire situation.

The DA urges the Department to promptly devise and allocate a credible budget to eradicate these hazardous pit toilets not only at Willows Farm School but also at other educational institutions that have been overlooked by the SAFE or ASIDI programmes.

The DA remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students and will continue to hold the relevant authorities accountable for their responsibilities in providing quality education and a safe learning environment for the children of South Africa.

Issued by Mariette Pittaway MPL - DA Free State Spokesperson: Education