Joy at last for Philippi residents

20-06-2019
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News24
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After more than 10 years of intense struggle and misery, things are looking good for learners and teachers at Philippi High School.

The Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) says the new premises will be ready for occupation at the start of the new academic year.

The school is under construction near Philippi Stadium and is nearing completion. It is expected to put an end to years of discomfort for the teachers and learners. The school is currently run from prefabricated structures in Heinz Park. It has been operating from the premises since 2007 until 2016 when learners started protesting calling for the department to build them a proper school. The school construction started early last year.

Bronagh Hammond, WCED director for communication, says they are hoping the building will be ready for occupation for the start of the new academic year.

The project consists of two phases. The first phase is the school building and the second phase is the sports field. It is approximately valued at R75 million.

“Phase 1 is expected to be completed by December and phase 2 is expected to be completed by March 2020,” said Hammond.

Hammond said the Metro South District will make a decision closer to the time as to when to move learners to the new premises. “There was initially some challenges with regards to community demands but it has since been resolved. There is always the chance that weather could delay completion,” she said.

Chairman of the Education Sector for the Philippi Development Forum Pamela Buhlungu said their dream came true because they have been fighting with the department demanding the construction of the school. “We are so excited. It’s been long overdue,” she said and promised the community will look after the school.