The money will improve the conditions at 74 schools.
The Mpumalanga education department has received an amount of R124 million that it will use to fix toilets at 74 schools.
The R124 million is part of the current budget of R597 million that has been set aside for sanitation in 430 schools.
Departmental spokesman Jasper Zwane said the improvement of toilets will conclude on 31 September 2020.
He said schools in the province were faced with “dysfunctional toilets”.
“30 schools from the 74 schools will be receiving acceptable prefabricated mobile toilets facilities as an urgent and immediate response towards school functionality,” he said.
“The remaining 44 schools will be provided with permanent toilet structures,” Zwane said.
He said the 44 schools currently earmarked for permanent structures are expected to be complete by 31 October 2020.
So far, a number of 790 000 learners have returned to schools in the province.
Zwane said the department is “impressed with the attendance of learners and is of the view that news of efforts to improve sanitation infrastructure at our schools will help to encourage all role players to leverage teaching and learning at all times”
“The department is requesting communities to appreciate that this endeavour intends to accelerate the processes to restore the dignity of our learners and teachers as a matter of urgency and therefore we plead that there must be no unnecessary disruptions that may halt progress as anticipated and planned,” said Zwane.
“We call upon the cooperation of all our stakeholders as we appreciate the leadership provided in the province thus far,” he said.
(edited by ZK)
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