MECs intervention revives delayed school construction

Saaiplaas

MEC for Education Department in Limpopo, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, has on Tuesday 23 July, paid homage to Asiphumelele Special School at Saaiplaas Village outside Monsterlus, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality (EMLM), to meet with stakeholders as part of the ongoing oversight of the infrastructure development programmes rigorously undertaken by the department.

The Asiphumelele Special School was handed over to the contractor in October 2023, with intentions to complete the project in 2026 and the project has since stalled in April due to contractual disputes.

The school enrolled 79 learners of special needs who are currently using temporary mobile classes and all walk-ins as there are no boarding facilities.

When completed, the construction of the school will include boarding facilities and state of the art classroom fit for these learners’ needs.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

During the visit, MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya said it is worth noting that Department of Basic Education has declared this academic year, “The Year of Inclusive Education,” which links to the deliberate commitment in ensuring that all the primary stakeholders in the system of education are sufficiently catered for.

“Our visit here today was to get first-hand information on the reasons behind the project delays and I can announce that through our interventions, the contractor should return to site by Friday,” Lerule-Ramakhanya said.

The MEC has continuously reiterated the need to drive a coordinated programme where all learners in the system are afforded the opportunity to learn in a conducive environment more where special education needs are to be taken into consideration.

“The provision of quality and innovative education programmes for learners across all grades, requires that all infrastructure projects must be completed without impediments as this affects the overall functioning of the system,” she said.

The meeting was attended by stakeholders that included the local traditional leadership and EMLM Ward 16 councillor. The attending stakeholders appreciated the MEC’s efforts and agreed to work together in prioritizing the safety of the learners.