… 411 structures built in various schools in the country
BY PHUMELELE MKHONTA
MBABANE– With six days left before schools open, the government has managed to improve and rehabilitate school buildings and systems.
Government of Eswatini funded the Ministry of Education and Training E189 million in the previous financial year- which assisted the mentioned ministry, through the Microprojects Programme, to execute its projects.
This is according to the 2021/2022 annual project report for Microprojects.
According to the annual report, the E189 460 909, to be precise, was used for the implementation on the construction of classrooms, staff houses, laboratories, other school structures (kitchens, toilets, administration blocks, fence installation, and structures in inclusive schools), emergency response structures in schools, school infrastructure enhancement projects, provision of portable water in schools, construction at resource centres and tertiary institutions projects.
“Expenditure on these projects amounted to E189 231 758.14. The highest expenditure of E 54 612 160 was released for Emergency Response Projects followed by the construction of Classrooms with an expenditure amounting to 29 579 775 and construction at tertiary institutions with a total expenditure of E29 544 227. The lowest amount was spent on school infrastructure enhancement projects with an expenditure amounting to E421 536. The figure 3A presents a summary of expenditure incurred under various project activities as of March 31, 2022,” read the report.
Activities implemented over this reporting period entailed the construction of new structures, completion of existing structures, and rehabilitation of structures in schools and other institutions under the Ministry of Education and Training. Structures constructed comprised of classrooms, staff houses, laboratories, kitchens, toilets, hand washing facility units, and administration blocks. Carpentry fittings were also installed in some school structures which were constructed in previous financial years but due to financial constraints, fittings could not be done. An initiative to provide potable water in selected schools was also undertaken. The initiative focuses on; hydrogeological survey, drilling and pump testing of boreholes, and development of boreholes.
The report also revealed that 411 structures were implemented in various schools in the four regions of the country. Of these 133 were completed, 109 were completed but are still at DLP (defect liability period) stage while 169 structures are still under construction.
“One hundred and seventy-five (175) classrooms were implemented in primary, secondary, and high schools. Of these 67 were completed, 59 were completed but on DLP while 49 are still under construction in various schools. Completed facilities will provide a conducive teaching and learning environment.
“The Unit implemented one hundred and twelve (112) staff houses where twenty-nine (29) were completed, sixteen (16) were completed but still at DLP while implementation of sixty-seven (67) is in progress. Completed houses will address the ever-increasing demand for accommodation in schools. Teachers housed within school premises will work more efficiently and overall performance of the benefitting schools is expected to improve. “Toilet structures constructed comprised of both VIP latrines and flush toilets. Most VIP Units comprise of 10 doors while the flush toilets are eight doors with a urinary system designed for the boy’s toilet. Thirty-nine (39) toilet units were constructed, seven (7) units were completed, thirteen (13) Units are complete but still at DLP, while nineteen (19) units are still under construction. Availability of proper toilets will improve hygiene and sanitation in beneficiary schools,” the report deduced the work done in schools.
