MEC NKOSI CONDUCTS PROJECT INSPECTIONS AT SIPHUMELELE PRIMARY AND TONGAAT SPECIAL SCHOOLS
Images and Article by Sibongile Dlangalala
Far right, MEC Nkosi is seen here during a walkabout at Tongaat Special School. He is accompanied by the Project Manager, Mr Phumlani Ndlovu and Ethekwini Regional Director, Mr Simphiwe Blose
ETHEKWINI: On Thursday, 3 August 2023, the MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works (DPW) in KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Sipho “KK” Nkosi conducted construction project inspections at Inanda-based Siphumelele Primary and Tongaat Special School (TSS).
The MEC’s inspection programme also targeted the TSS which is a public institution for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN) located in Tongaat - KwaTiba area, north of Durban.
This holistic exercise was undertaken under the auspices of his Departmental project monitoring initiative, dubbed Operation Siyahlola.
Adding to his close entourage, the MEC was joined by KZN Departmental officials, contractor representatives, professional team, officials from the Department of Education, Chairpersons of School Governing Bodies (SGBs) concerned and relevant stakeholders.
The day’s proceedings resumed at Siphumelele Primary School in Inanda, Newtow C. As per the construction progress report, it is indeed safe to report that, this particular project which is currently undergoing upgrades worth R28 million is nearing completion.
Documented official records confirm that, the project is set for completion by the 30 September 2023, with atleast 70 work opportunities created under the canopy of the provincial Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
Since Education is a societal matter, the MEC commended the SGB and the relevant communities of Inanda and KwaMashu townships for protecting their schools at all costs against vandalism and burglaries.
Left, Photographic images of Siphumelele Primary in Inanda and Tongaat Special School on the right as construction work progresses
The MEC then proceeded to the TSS which is also undergoing some major upgrades worth R124 million. This facility is classified as a new generational school as it boasts the state-of-the-art features set to create a conducive environment for proper Teaching and Learning as the core function of the Department of Education.
In this specific project, which is due for completion on the 12 November 2023, some 120 EPWP beneficiaries have been recruited to perform various responsibilities as part of the workforce on site. The project is currently at an advanced stage, sitting at 85% mark towards completion.
MEC Nkosi urged the contractor and the project team to fast-track the construction process so that, these government facilities may be officially handed-over to the Department of Education for learners to gain complete access to decent boarding facilities. “If we do not care for the disabled, then we would have failed as a government,” the MEC said in conclusion.
