A R11.2 million worth project meant to facelift IKhwezi Lokusa Special school has started on Monday this week.

This follows the introduction of the appointed Contractor, Maliswana Trading to the stakeholders last week Friday, 01 December 2023 by the Acting Head of Department, Dr Soyisile Nuku at the school, in Mthatha, OR Tambo Inland education district.

The two phased project started with the demolition of 318 brick beds by twenty (20) locals employed as part of the first phase of the four (4) months project.

The second phase of the project’s scope of work, includes the replacement of the school flooring, replacement of all the 318 beds with modern ones, replacement of broken windows, upgrading of ablution facilities and sewer system, the upgrading of electricity for both boys’ and girls’ hostels and the provisioning of generators as backup during blackouts.

Furthermore, the contractor will also replace damaged doors, provide water reticulation and storm water drainage, replace all sanitary fittings, paint internal walls in both the hostels and upgrading of electrical work in the hostels.

The employment of locals is expected to increase to forty (40) as the second phase of the project will be more labour intensive.

Local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are also expected to benefit in both phases of the project. Due to the current work underway, the school academic calendar is expected to start in February 2024 to accommodate both phases of the renovations.

The school, working with the district officials will develop a recovery plan to cover lost tuition time. MEC Fundile Gade called for support to ensure the smooth running of the project.

“I urge role players to support and ensure the success of the project. Apart from job creation for locals, this project will guarantee dignity of our learners and the provision of education in a conducive teaching and learning environment,” said Gade.

For enquiries, please contact the Departmental Spokesperson, Mali Mtima @062 057 1591