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Calls for full forensic investigation into Jubilee Park Primary construction

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Dear MyPE

The Democratic Alliance will be calling for a full forensic investigation into the construction of new classrooms and school hall at the Jubilee Park Primary School in Uitenhage.

Today I, along with shadow MEC for Public Works, Vicky Knoetze, and shadow MEC for transport, Marshall von Buchenroder, conducted oversight at the school as part of the DA’s School Readiness Programme.

What we have seen here today is simply unacceptable!

This school was earmarked to be upgraded in 2013, with the completion date set for August 2014, and a budget of R77-million set aside for the work.

It is now January 2020, the cost to date on the project is in excess of R89 million, and the work is still not complete. Meanwhile learners and teachers must make do with hopelessly inadequate infrastructure!

Learners are still being taught in temporary classrooms, where they have been subjected to a double shift schooling system since 2013, meaning the average classroom time has been limited to just three hours per child, per day.

Grade 7s at Jubilee Park have never had a regular day’s schooling since they started their schooling career.

My colleague, Shadow MEC for Public Works, Vicky Knoetze, has been driving the issue regarding the delays in construction at this school through the Legislature for years.

Today’s oversight has shown that the claims by the Department of Public Works that the development is 96% complete is a farce. This project has been plagued by delays and cost overruns and enough is enough.

Hon. Knoetze will now be formally requesting a full forensic investigation into the work done a Jubilee Park.

I will also be raising our concerns and tabling our report on the findings from our oversight today to the Education Portfolio Committee as part of the DA’s School Readiness Programme.

What we have seen today goes beyond incompetence and borders on the criminal. Those responsible for stealing the futures of the learners of Jubilee Park must be held to account.

#NoChildLeftBehind

Regards

Yusuf Cassim

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