Stanger Secondary School is the first in KwaZulu-Natal to join a new programme tackling leaking water pipes and broken toilets at public schools.

KZN Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer launched the Water Leaks Programme at the KwaDukuza school on October 13, highlighting the deteriorating state of school infrastructure.

According to the department, schools across the province collectively pay more than R200-million in rates and service charges, with water leaks adding to already strained budgets.

Meyer said money wasted through leaking infrastructure should instead be spent on education.

The programme will also provide practical training for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college graduates, who will work alongside qualified departmental artisans to repair school facilities.

However, Meyer acknowledged that 75% of the department’s artisan posts are vacant, forcing it to rely heavily on external contractors for maintenance.

He committed to reviewing the budget to address the shortage.

“This is the first school. I look forward to this programme being rolled out across many more schools in KZN because while we are a custodian of government property, however we cannot do it all by ourselves,” said Meyer.

Enterprise iLembe will help secure support from local businesses, with the partnership also expected to create economic opportunities in the district.

The department has also introduced a Property Finder Portal through which residents can report government buildings requiring maintenance.