The officials accused the department of failing to complete the post -fire upgradation after starting an investigation.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has suspended two infrastructure unit inspectors on alleged failures to complete immediate repair work at NORDGESIG Secondary School in Sweeto.
The department took rapid action on Wednesday, the officials assigned the work of taking care of the reconstruction efforts on June 27, 2024 after severely damaged in the school.
The repair is not completed
“The department had allocated funds for immediate repair and reconstruction work,” GDE said in a statement.
“However, it is suspected that the repair may not be completed, and some committed upgrades have been partially or not done at all.”
According to the department, suspended inspectors were responsible for monitoring and management of the project.
His suspension follows the concerns raised about the school’s infrastructure situation after about a year of fire.
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Internal inquiry was launched
GDE confirmed that it has started an internal investigation to highlight the complete facts around the unsuccessful repair.
The department said, “We will announce the result of the said investigation.”
Last year, the fire disrupted learning and extended immediate security concerns among the school community. In response, the department committed to a series of upgrades to restore functionality and ensure a safe learning environment.
GDE said that this is committed to ensuring accountability and restoring the school infrastructure.
“Next, we will announce the result of the said investigation, once it was completed,” this concluded.
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Fire-affected schools still need to be repaired
In addition, education Mat Matome Chiloane, in a written response written in the Legislature, confirmed that 29 schools had caught fire since 2021–22 financial years.
Out of these 29 schools, six are repaired by GDE at a cost of R9.3 million, approximately one per year at an average cost of R15 million per year.
However, an additional 10 schools were fixed using insurance companies, school governing bodies donations or funds provided by private sponsors.
13 schools still need to be repaired and have been handed over to another government department.
“It should be noted that the disadvantages were of such nature that the disadvantages were required to do it in the affected schools,” said Chiloni said.
“In this regard, the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development was referred to for implementation of work,” explained.
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