By Alicia Mmashakana
Water supply to 23 Pietermaritzburg schools has been disconnected because of the failure of the KwaZulu-Natal Education Department to pay its debt of more than R32 million for water and electricity.
According to Acting Municipal Manager Sabelo Hlela, schools affected include Sukuma Comprehensive School in Imbali township (owing R3.2 million), Georgetown High School in Edendale (owing R1.3 million), Edendale HP School (owing R300,000), and Siqongweni Secondary School in Imbali township (owing R500,000).
The cut in the water supply to schools comes two weeks before the Grade 12 trial examinations and Sadtu provincial secretary Nomarashiya Caluza this was jeopardising the students’ ability to prepare for their trial examinations.
In a statement, the Msunduzi Municipality said it seeks to inform the public that it has begun the disconnection of schools with outstanding debts for municipal services and rates.
“This decision was made after the Department of Education was given several opportunities to address the overdue payments,” read the statement.
The municipality has enlisted 14 contractors to complete disconnections in both residential and school zones, it said.
The municipal spokesperson, Ntobeko Mkhize said: “We can confirm that notices were issued to the Department of Education.The municipality values the role of education institutions in our community and we understand the impact the decision may have on the learners.
“However, it is imperative to implement and enforce the bylaws and the policies of the municipality. We are required to implement the credit control and debt collection policy.”
Muzi Mahlambi, spokesperson for the Education Department, confirmed that they are working with the municipality to resolve the issue.
INSIDE EDUCATION
