By Levy Masiteng
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has allocated R247 million of the R529 million Education Infrastructure Grant (EIG) fourth tranche payment, which is expected to ensure the continuation of construction work on school infrastructure projects in 2026.
In a statemen released on Tuesday, the department confirmed that the funds have already been paid to implementing agents to prevent work stoppages on critical infrastructure projects, particularly as schools prepare to reopen in January 2026.
The department further said the other remaining payments owed to other service providers will be processed once the adjusted budget becomes available early next year.
“We would like to extend our sincerest apologies to the affected Service Providers for the payment delay experienced and will endeavour to process the remaining payments as soon as the Department is able to in January 2026,” the department said in a statement.
The latest payment follows earlier challenges linked to budgetary constraints and the phased release of national infrastructure grant funding, which had raised concerns about possible disruptions to school construction projects.
The ECDOE said the release of the R247 million demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding infrastructure delivery and ensuring learners are not negatively affected by administrative or financial delays.
INSIDE EDUCATION
