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Despite a staggering R65million spent on upgrades at a rural Kokstad school, learners and educators were left stranded without access to running water amid numerous other defects.

The shocking findings were made during a recent oversight by KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) Public Works portfolio committee to Xoloxolo Primary School in Bhongweni, in Kokstad (view here). The oversight, for the purpose of a close-out report, was the result of a recommendation by the Auditor-General (AG).

It is unacceptable that upgrades at this school are still not up to date – almost a year after it was handed over – and despite the vast sum already spent.

At the time of the oversight, there was still no grey water to flush toilets, forcing learners to collect water in drums order to flush them. There was also no drinking water in the taps.

Further issues raised with the portfolio committee by stakeholders include:
- Poor workmanship with broken stairs, railings and downpipes
- The use of imported locks which are expensive to replace and;
- The installation of 3-phase power with the result that the school is billed R15 000 monthly whether it utilises this or not. This is over and above its normal monthly usage.

This school was handed over in August last year. Despite the principal having reported the outstanding issues to KZN’s Department of Education (DoE) not a single departmental official has come to their aid and not a single issue has been dealt with.

Meanwhile, KZN’s Department of Public Works has claimed that it was not made aware of the problems. The only assurance offered by this department was that it had taken a retainer from the contractor - but could not specify an amount.

Of further concern is that the budget for the project is almost depleted. Apparently all contractors have up to five years to rectify any faults that are reported.

While this department drags its feet and allows shoddy workmanship, it is our learners and educators that are suffering. This smacks of an uncaring government.

Earlier this year during the KZN Public Works budget debate, the DA raised the fact that not even the province’s Human Settlements Department is happy with the poor workmanship by Public Works.

We also pointed out that in KZN, contractors are able to default in one sphere of government and/or municipality and still go on to obtain work within another municipality or sphere of government. This is due to the lack of proper systems in place.

It is clear that this ANC-run government is simply ticking boxes and spending public money with no intention of producing quality results. The DA will continue to perform its oversight role and hold KZN’s government departments to account.

Issued by Marlaine Nair, MPL - DA KZN Spokesperson on Public Works