Power outage woes for schools
Damaged equipment, malfunctioning of alarm and security systems, and telephone faults are some of the main problems at primary schools.
LOAD SHEDDING and water cuts are two of the region’s most talked about topics at the moment, and local schools are also feeling the pinch.
Like the business sector, local school operations are also disrupted by the power outages.
According to Veldenvlei Primary’s Deputy Principal, Marianne Truter, the effects of load shedding are clearly felt.
‘Pupils complain about the heat when the classroom fans are not working. The administration office can’t operate fully and secretaries need to catch up on typing,’ she said.
One of the school’s biggest concerns is the malfunctioning of their electronic gate when the electricity is cut off, as any person can then enter the premises.
Brackenham Primary’s Principal, BK Govender, shared the sentiment about the uncomfortable humid working conditions when fans are not working.
He said water restrictions have not yet being experienced at the school, but as a precautionary measure they are planning to install two water tanks which will be used for the toilets and gardens.
Although Aquadene Secondary has not experienced many outages, Principal Mr Phagathi said they are planning their daily timetables around the load shedding schedule.
‘There is concern if load shedding will take place during the testing period, as this is the time when exam papers need to be printed,’ he said.
Damaged equipment, malfunctioning of alarm and security systems, and telephone and server faults were some of the main problems that Arboretum Primary listed.
