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Media Release

Monday, 29 July, 2002

Flooding closes school in Koue Bokkeveld

Statement by André Gaum, Western Cape Education Minister

Skurweberg Secondary School in the Koue Bokkeveld closed this morning after flooding made roads to the school impassable following the storms that hit the Western Cape over the weekend (27 – 28 July 2002).

The Breede River/Overberg district office is currently assessing whether any other schools are similarly affected.

Meanwhile, our district office acted promptly over the weekend to attend to reports of storm damage to schools in the region.

The storm blew off the roofs of four classroom and an informal hall at Hexpark Primary School in Worcester.

Staff from the school and the district office moved furniture into secure classrooms on Saturday morning after receiving reports of the damage.

The Director of the district, Mr Clifton Frolick, appointed a building contractor on Saturday (27 July 2002) to clean up the school grounds.

The contractor completed this work by yesterday morning (Sunday 28 July 2002), which enabled schooling to resume this morning.

The storm blew a section off the roof of Bella Vista High School in Ceres, exposing eight classrooms in the block. The district office authorised the principal to appoint a contractor to remove loose roofing sheets and to ensure that the premises are safe for learners, pending a more detailed assessment of the repair work required.

The storm also blew the roof off classroom at Iingcinga Zethu Secondary School in Ceres. The principal was authorised to appoint a contractor immediately to ensure the safety of learners, while arrangements are made to repair the damage.


Issued by:
The Communications Directorate
Western Cape Education Department
Private Bag X9114
Cape Town 8000
Tel: (021) 467-2531
Fax: (021) 467-2363
Email: pattwell@pawc.wcape.gov.za
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