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The Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) has started building the new Umyezo Wama Apile High School in Grabouw. This R68 million project was commissioned for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) to respond to steady population growth and an increase in the demand for education facilities.

This is the second time this project has been initiated. Factors outside DTPW’s control meant that a new contractor had to be appointed. The school, which will now be ready early in 2018, will provide accommodation for 1 250 learners. Learners are currently housed in temporary classrooms.

The new double-storey building will comprise a framed concrete structure and a mixture of face brick and painted infill walls. Teaching facilities will comprise 27 standard classrooms and nine specialised classrooms. When the complex is complete, it will also have a hall with toilet facilities, an administrative building, caretaker’s facilities, and a sports field.

DTPW is committed to creating Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) work opportunities and skills training for participants, and to procuring goods and services from targeted enterprises. Initial plans provide that a total of R9 million will go towards targeted contractor businesses, R7 million to suppliers and manufacturers, and R3 million to targeted local labour.

The WCED has budgeted a total of R1,29 billion in 2016/17 for building and refurbishing school infrastructure across the Western Cape.

Issued by Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works