PAYING ATTENTION TO DETAIL: MEC Nkosi and the team are seen here analyzing the approved architectural design which is being implemented as the project progresses towards the right direction
UMKHANYAKUDE DISTRICT: On Friday, 13 October 2023, the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Mr Sipho “KK” Nkosi visited Dlilanga High School in Ward 7, under the Mtubatuba Local Municipality, Umkhanyakude District. This is part of an ongoing Departmental service delivery monitoring programme, Operation Siyahlola.
The MEC as a political head at the helm of the Department engaged in a physical construction site tour to inspect the amount of progress made since the project was officially commissioned.
Supported by a team of technical experts, it emerged that, the project is moving towards the right direction.
Ageing infrastructure and dilapidated school buildings, will in no time, become history as the Department is working around the clock to ensure delivery of a new generational facility which will propel emergence of a conducive environment for proper Teaching and Learning.
Left: The MEC was captured here while making a progressive input during a stakeholders’ briefing session conducted at Dlilanga High School. Right: The construction site walkabout formed part of the day’s proceedings
To date, the project has seen construction of New Classrooms, a modern Kitchen, Administration Block, a Multi-Purpose Centre, installation of new borehole and water tank, an upgrade to ESKOM supply and line deviations and related amenities.
The government has injected more than R50 million in this particular project which commenced in April 2023 and is due for completion by July 2025.
At the beginning of the project there were some challenges that were experienced due to high water table encountered during excavations of foundations for the double story buildings or classrooms, the normal foundations had to be changed to pile foundation.
The above construction structure is currently sitting at the roof level while trench excavation work is in progress on the other side
Through the relevant Community Liaison Officer (CLO), 18 community members were employed under the umbrella of the Provincial Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) which is in line with the upliftment of local community members.
Local businesses were appointed to be subcontractors for this big project as it will boost the local economy.
MEC Nkosi in his remarks applauded both the Department of Education for investing in rural communities by upgrading old school mud buildings that were built during the Apartheid era. With this state-of-the-art school, the learners will be excelling in their studies.
Article & Images by: Siyathuthuka Mthembu