Despite a few setbacks, the Department of Infrastructure (DOI) is still on track to complete renovations at Macassar Primary by June 2024. Among these setbacks were delays caused by continual theft, community unrest and building-related challenges, according to a recent statement by the Western Cape Government.
In December 2023, the DOI completed Phase 1 of the R107 million project.
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The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) had asked the DOI to construct an expansive replacement school with enough space for learning, sports and other extra-mural activities for 1 860 learners, as the school previously had ‘inadequate facilities and insufficient learner capacity’.
After the project’s completion, the new school will have 42 classrooms, 2 science laboratories, 2 multi-media centres, an administration block, a school hall, 3 physical training slabs and a sports field.
While building is under way, members of the Macassar community have been able to benefit from job creation and skills development opportunities. R23 million was spent on local subcontractors, while R5.4 million was spent on local suppliers and manufacturers.
‘A total of 60 jobs and 35 training opportunities were created through this project thus far. The Department has allocated R7.8m to local labour, achieving 245% of the EPWP [Expanded Public Works Programme] target on this project,’ said Danie Swarts, construction project manager at DOI.
There are currently plans for the development of social housing on a site adjacent to the primary school, where it is expected that many learners attending the school will be living in the future.
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Picture: Macassar Primary School / Facebook