DA demands action after Riverlea school fire
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng called on the Department of Education in the province, to launch an immediate investigation into a fire that severely damaged Riverlea Secondary school, and to move quickly in repairing the damage that was allegedly caused by vandalists.
The fire broke out on Sunday evening in an unused classroom and spread through an entire block of classrooms.
READ MORE: Police probe arson after Riverlea School fire
The DA Shadow MEC in Gauteng, Sergio Isa Dos Santos, believes Riverlea Secondary might be abandoned, similar to Lancea Vale Secondary School in Eldorado Park, which was also damaged by a fire last year in August
READ MORE: Three classrooms gutted by fire in Eldorado Park
Dos Santos said these fire incidents highlight, what he calls the department’s ongoing inability to deliver on its commitments, and to protect the future of pupils.
He said the DA will submit written questions to the Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, to determine the number of fires in Gauteng’s schools in the last five years.
“We also want to know whether schools are compliant with fire and safety regulations,” he added.
Dos Santos said the party will continue to pressure the Gauteng Education Department to ensure that Riverlea High School and Lancea Vale Secondary School are not forgotten.
Meanwhile, Gauteng education spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said a temporary plan has been put in place to use the school hall for affected learners, while arrangements are being finalised for the delivery of four mobile classrooms to replace the lost classrooms.
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