Education Department must manage its infrastructure projects to avoid construction delays
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng calls on the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to take responsibility for its infrastructure projects and end delays in the construction of new schools caused by the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development’s (GDID) inefficiency as an implementing agent.
According to the GDE’s first quarter report for the 2024/2025 financial year, only 64% of the infrastructure budget has been spent, with year-to-date expenditures of only 16%. The huge underspending on infrastructure development is due to slow spending by GDID as the implementing agent. In addition, there were delays in the procurement process for 18 new schools implemented via the Budget Facility for Infrastructure (BFI).
These figures underscore the undeniable failure of GDID as an implementing agent for school infrastructure projects. They serve as a reason why GDE should take the wheel on the implementation of the infrastructure projects in Gauteng. School construction delays significantly affect our learners, particularly in areas where overcrowding and inadequate facilities hinder quality education. Among the schools affected by the GDID caused delays are:
- Simunye Secondary School, which is currently only 43% complete.
- Nancefield Primary School: Only 47% of the project was completed after delays dating back to 2020.
- Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School: progress is at 67%, with the original contractor terminated and a new contractor appointed.
- Inkululeko Yesizwe Primary School: progress at 55%, with the construction commencing in 2020 whilst the school grapples with overcrowding.
- Cosmo City No. 2 Primary School: progress at 30%, with construction meant to be completed by March 2025 with requests to extend the deadline already made.
The GDE should not have to rely on the incompetent GDID as the implementing agent, given all the evidence of its repeated failure to deliver on its commitments.
The Western Cape’s Rapid Build School Programme serves as a successful model that Gauteng should emulate. This programme has demonstrated the ability to deliver schools quickly and efficiently, addressing the urgent need for educational facilities promptly. The DA urges the Gauteng government to adopt similar strategies to accelerate school construction and ensure that our learners have access to safe and adequate educational environments.
The DA will continue to demand better contract management practices, which should include improved vetting of contractors, ensuring that contractors are qualified and reliable. We will also advocate for the inclusion of penalty clauses in contracts to mitigate delays and hold contractors accountable for failing to meet deadlines.
A DA government would empower GDE to manage its infrastructure needs effectively to ensure that all learners have access to safe and adequate educational facilities.
Media Enquiries:
Sergio Isa Dos Santos
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education
082 394 4053