The first phase of Lwandle Primary School, which is part of the provincial government’s Rapid School Build Programme, is complete.
Construction began early last year and, when fully completed at a cost of R92 million, the school will have 35 classrooms along with the associated administration, ablution and recreation facilities.
Initially, the provincial education department indicated the school would start operating at the beginning of the current academic year, but contractor delays and challenges at the site hampered the timeline.
According to provincial education minister David Maynier, the new school will also feature solar panels with an inverter and battery system, along with a water-pressure system.
He confirmed the first phase of the school has been completed and it is already registered as a new school on the department’s online admissions system.
Asked to share some details on Lwandle High School which, together with the primary school, will form the Lwandle Education Precinct, Maynier said that the total project cost for the high school is estimated at R140 million.
The high-school development will include 30 standard classrooms and seven specialist facilities, with the associated administration, ablution and recreation facilities among the expected structures.
The first phase of the high school is expected to be completed in March next year.
“At present the project is proceeding well and on track in terms of delivery timelines,” said Maynier, adding that previous challenges, which apparently related to extortion over jobs and the replacement of the contractor at the construction site, have since been stabilised through engagement with the community.
Asked about the latest update on the Sir Lowry’s Pass High School project, which was brought to a halt due to a dispute with the contractor last year, Maynier said the project is under review to determine an updated completion date.
Work to the R87,6 million school, which is expected to accommodate 1 100 learners, was originally set for completion by last December.
It was previously noted the developer’s contract was terminated in last July, due to continued non-performance. No construction work has taken place since, as a result of a legal challenge.
