The Gauteng Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Infrastructure Development & Property Management has called on the Department of Infrastructure Development(DID) to fast-track the completion of school infrastructure projects to address overcrowding in Gauteng schools.

This comes after high-pressure areas in the province experienced an intake of a high number learners.

The chairperson of the portfolio committee Thulani Ndlovu says the increasing demand for quality education in Gauteng has placed immense pressure on existing infrastructure.

He added that delayed school construction and refurbishment projects have exacerbated the problem.

Ndlovu said the committee has a list of schools that should have been completed and handed over to communities to alleviate overcrowding in certain areas.

Included in the list, is Rust-Ter-Vaal Secondary School which the community eagerly awaits the completion thereof as a result of the old building no longer providing a conducive learning environment for pupils.

In 2024, Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure and Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Jacob Mamabolo said a contractor had been appointed, adding that work to complete the school was underway.

“The project has been significantly affected by the termination of the contract due to cash flow limitations. The planning process for the completion of works has been hindered by disputed final accounts from the terminated contractor, as well as claims from local subcontractors who are owed payments. A completion contractor has been appointed and construction work is currently underway.”

The (DID) is urged to implement effective project management systems to ensure that all infrastructure projects are completed.

“The Committee calls for decisive action against Project Managers responsible for delays in school infrastructure projects. Where negligence, corruption, or inefficiencies are identified, swift and firm action must be taken to hold those responsible accountable.

“Learners and educators can no longer wait for the completion of much-needed school infrastructure projects.”

The Committee said it will use the list of incomplete school infrastructure projects to monitor their progress and hold the Department accountable to ensure that Gauteng learners are given conducive learning environments, allowing them access to quality education.