Kamogelo Mmeti
On Thursday, February 13th, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) Portfolio Committee on Infrastructure Development conducted site visits to monitor progress on education projects managed by the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) in Ekurhuleni. The committee visited Barcelona Primary School, Lakeside Primary School, and Mogobeng Primary School. Internal Project Manager Richard Tshabalala accompanied the committee, providing detailed presentations on the status of each project.
The first stop was Barcelona Primary School, where the project is currently at the site establishment stage. The school is being developed into a modern, technology-driven learning institution. The project includes the demolition of existing structures and the construction of a new facility featuring an administration block, 44 classrooms for Grade R to Grade 7, a library and media center, a multipurpose room, and dedicated spaces for art, culture, technology, music, dance, and visual arts. Additional amenities include a sports and recreation area, a science laboratory, a computer room, a dining hall, a nutrition center, a security guardhouse, and various external works. The Portfolio Committee emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the school is completed on schedule.
At Lakeside Primary School, the focus is on refurbishing and rehabilitating existing structures. Due to non-compliance issues with the previous contractor, the Department appointed a new contractor to complete the remaining work. The committee noted the importance of proper contractor management to avoid future delays.
The final stop was Mogobeng Primary School, where the Department is undertaking refurbishment work and constructing additional classrooms, including an ICT classroom. The Portfolio Committee commended the Department for the progress made following the appointment of a new contractor.
These site visits are part of an ongoing effort to ensure the timely completion of education infrastructure projects, reinforcing the critical role these facilities play in providing quality education.
SOURCED FROM THE GPG WEBSITE.
