‘Lots of work’ needed to build climate-resilient schools, says Section27
Education pressure group Section27 says the issue of poor school infrastructure predates the country’s transition to democracy.
The issue of school infrastructure is in the spotlight again after flooding in the Eastern Cape disrupted the writing of matric final exams.
A total of 319 students were unable to write their matric final exams on Tuesday due to the floods in the Eastern Cape.
The pupils were scheduled to write Computer Application Tech.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube raised concerns over the weather on Tuesday and said some exam centres would need to be moved.
SECTION27’s candidate attorney, Motheo Brodie, said that besides flooding, there are schools in Limpopo that are ill-equipped to deal with the extreme heat during the summer months.
“A heatwave might have a climate change-related impact on education and education attainment. There you would need different interventions to make sure that the education program continues despite extreme climate changes or extreme weather events that are occurring.”
Broddie said a lot of work needs to be done to structures to ensure they are resistant to climate change.
She said budget constraints and contractors that get assigned to build schools are some of the issues hampering progress.
“Currently, we have a backlog of schools that need an upgrade in terms of infrastructure. Even before we look into whether they are climate-proof, there is quite a lot that needs to be done to protect our schools.
“We look at the allocation of funds. The minister of basic education noted recently that the department is facing cuts.”
Broaddie pointed out that Section27 has tried to assist with school sanitation infrastructure and the removal of pit toilets.
“The other issue that the department faces is contractors. Contractors that are put for projects are not sustainable.”
