MEC Hands Over A Re-Built School

The re-built school that would bring pride to the learners and the community of Alexandra Township was officially handed-over by MEC for Housing Ms Nomvula Mokonyane to the Gauteng Department of Education today.

The school which accommodates more than 1000 learners was built through the Alexandra Renewal Project (ARP) which is government integrated developmental project aimed at rejuvenating Alexandra township.

Ekukhanyisweni Primary School was built in late 1960. The school was built with asbestos which posed a health hazard to learners. During the years the walls of the class rooms started falling apart due to wear and tear which poised a danger to the safety of both staff and pupils as the asbestos dust was filling the classrooms everyday. The asbestos school was demolished in 2005.

MEC Mokonyane said the newly built school reflects the good work that the ARP is doing to give the township a major facelift.

“I would like to acknowledge all those that took time off from their other important tasks to demonstrate to others that it takes various members of the community to make something as worthwhile as the building of this new school,” she said.

The MEC also expressed her pride that the project was completed within the specified time. ”When we announced that the new school will be completed in eight months, like in any project we undertake some people were not convinced, but today we have proved that we can do it”.

The renewal of Alexandra township is more than just construction of roads and the cleaning up of the Juskei River. The ARP is also about the building of social amenities such as clinics, schools, houses and the conversion of hostels into family units.

“This project is a demonstration of what we have always said that partnership between government and the private sector has a potential of changing the lives of our people for the better.

“Now our kids are learning under the most conducive environment as opposed to the unfriendly and health hazard asbestos structure that housed this school for a long time,” said the MEC.

The MEC said to realize the commitments in all the projects as well as to meet the deadlines, everyone from members of the community, community workers, teachers and parents, business should all come together to achieve a common goal. Mokonyane urged the community to look after the school so that it continues to produce future leaders and is sustainable.