The construction of a high school in Ward 86, in Lwandle, is underway and expected to be completed next year.
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso described the work as a blessing in disguise. He said it has been long overdue.
“The project was approved in 2006,” Diniso said. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for almost 20 years. We have no reason as a community not to celebrate it.”
According to Diniso, the school will be constructed in three phases, with phase one currently underway.
“The school is divided in two – one side for academics, the other for skills. There will also be playing fields for different sports codes. The school is expected to offer a lot for the community.”
Explaining the benefits to be brought by the construction, Diniso said it would create job opportunities and will, so to speak, lift the face of the area.
Millicent Merton, the Director of Communication in the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), said the project is part of the Lwandle Education Precinct, which includes the new Lwandle Primary School and the high school currently under construction.
“The new Lwandle Primary School is the first part of the Lwandle Education Precinct and will be ready for operation by the start of the 2025 school year,” she said. “When fully completed, the school will have 35 classrooms and the associated administration, ablution and recreation facilities.”
Merton added the school will also have solar panels with an inverter and battery system, along with a water pressure system.
She stated that the first phase of the school was nearly complete.
Merton stated the total primary school project would cost an estimated at R92 million. She said the total project cost for the high school is estimated at R140 million. The work would include 30 standard classrooms and seven specialist facilities, with the associated administration, ablution and recreation facilities.
According to Merton, the first phase of the high school is expected to be completed in March next year.
