GDE is on Track

Following a report by the Sowetan Newspaper dated April 30, 2008 that the Government has still not used the money allocated to improve rural schools though pupils still learn under trees.

The Gauteng Department of Education wishes to place on record that the overall expenditure in respect of capital projects for Gauteng Department of Education is R819, 349. This represents more than 100% of the total allocation. Included in the above the total is spending in respect of the bi infrastructure grant. 87% has been spent on this allocation with the remaining amount to be allocated to commitments relating to the grant on projects that could not be finalized and are still in progress after the financial year i.e. 31 March 2008.

In the 2007/2008 financial year 17 new schools were completed providing 469 additional classrooms and 611 toilet seats. In addition, through upgrading of existing schools 86 new classrooms and 113 toilets were provided. Sixty seven steel palisade fences were constructed at existing schools to improve security. 113 schools received mini rehabilitation (replacement of doors, ceilings, repairs and or replacement of roofing).

A further 952 classrooms and 1223 toilet seats are under construction using the 2007/8 allocation. Palisade fencing is being completed currently at 11 schools. Minor rehabilitation is being completed at 63 schools.