For many years grave structural defects have jeopardised the health and safety of pupils and teachers at Merlewood Primary School.
On Monday this week teachers, parents and grade 1 pupils were beaming with joy when the brand new grade R building was officially handed over to the school.
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Construction of the new building at Merlewood Primary has been brought to a halt on numerous occasions and has also seen a new construction company completing the much-needed classrooms for Merewood community. As the rest of the construction continues there was joy as five grade R classrooms were handed over.
Speaking at the handover, Tafi Khosa from Tafi Technologists constructions company said it was a pleasure handing over a part of the school to the Department of Education, teachers and most importantly the grade R pupils. “The long wait is finally over and the community can rest assured that they have state-of-the-art classrooms for the grade Rs,” said Mr Khosa.
Also beaming with joy was community member Johanna Godden (102) who attended the handover. She was extremely proud that her community was finally being attended to after many years.
Meryl van Wyk of the Department of Education Infrastructure and Planning Ugu District said the Merlewood community has been very patient and finally there were some positives out of this project. She acknowledged that the principal, Audrey Ryan and the staff had waited a long time. She also thanked the contractor for the excellent workmanship on the grade R building. “We hope to hand over the rest of the project as soon as possible,” said Ms van Wyk.
The grade R pupils have five spacious classrooms, a new jungle gym, new toilet facilities and a good level of security as the entire building is fenced.
Addressing all roleplayers at the handover, Ms Ryan thanked all for making the project possible. “It is definitely a proud moment for Merlewood and the pupils. The long wait is almost over,” she said.
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