WCED says safety concerns delay sewage clean-up at Kuyasa Primary

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has revealed that safety concerns are delaying the cleanup of sewage at Kuyasa Primary School in Khayelitsha, causing learners to miss over a week of classes. The stench and raw sewage from a burst sewer pipe have rendered the school environment unbearable, leading to several pupils and staff members falling ill.

Parents protested at the school, drawing anger from residents, parents, and the Khayelitsha Development Forum (KDF). A visit by KDF chairperson Mawande Jara and other stakeholders confirmed the dire situation, with Jara condemning the conditions and stressing the urgency of getting children back in school. While the KDF wants a clear plan to resolve the crisis by August 26, the WCED confirmed that the issue remains unresolved, citing contractors' safety concerns as the reason for the delays.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond emphasized the department's priority on health and safety, stating that efforts to address the situation in partnership with the City of Cape Town have been extensive. However, these measures were delayed when contractors refused to proceed due to safety fears. Hammond expressed disappointment at the political focus on the issue, urging all parties to prioritize the well-being of learners and work together to minimize further disruptions to education.