Western Cape schools facing ov

Western Cape schools facing over R120m damages after #CapeStorm

Truly extensive…

Western Cape schools facing ov

On Monday, the Western Cape Education Department announced the estimated costs of damage to schools in the province. This damage was caused almost entirely by the Cape Storm that hit on the 7th of June.

The department says 170 schools were damaged, a further two were damaged by fires that ravaged the Southern Cape.  Western Cape Education Minister Debbie Schafer details the specific damages.

“The extent of damage at each school varies but includes roof damage at 102 schools, damage to fences at 27 schools, structural damage at 14 schools and damage to mobile classrooms at 4 schools. Schools have also reported other damages which include fire damage, fallen trees and damage to electrical components.”

The Department say that the estimated cost of repairs and replacements comes in at around R124 million. A more precise figure will emerge after a “proper” assessment of damages is fully compiled. Schafer says that her department took action as soon as schools reported damages.

“Our priority was to make schools operational as soon as possible, where possible. Officials that visited schools immediately took action in ensuring that where possible, school sites were made safe for use so that learning and teaching can continue with limited interference.”

“The WCED and DTPW teams meet every third day to assess progress and discuss strategy.

“A total of 55 schools that were visited for inspection were immediately repaired which means that learning and teaching could resume almost immediately.”

13 of the damaged schools were on leased land, this meant that the department had to contact the owners to advise them of the damage and request repairs.

Schafer has also confirmed that multiple corporate donors have already come forward to offer assistance. The department is now in the process of determining “where best their support can be utilised”.