Transport and Public Works
With reference to the delay in the construction of the Scottsdene High School and the Hawston Primary School,
- what is the nature of the structural problems,
- how many other schools experience the same problems,
(c) what is being done to rectify the current situation and
(d) how many schools are currently under construction in the province? (320)
(a) The nature of the structural problems is the non-compliance in certain respects with the minimum South African Norms and Standards (SANS) applicable to engineering design for infrastructure (including schools). The elements under scrutiny are:
- Deflection and cracking in places of the reinforced concrete first floor slabs at Hawston and Scottsdene schools, and computer room roof slabs at Hawston.
- Cracking of brickwork mortar joints, resulting from unusual deflection of cantilevered walkways at Scottsdene.
- Verification of structural design and securing of hall roofs at Hawston.
- Over design of raft foundations relevant to geotechnical conditions at Hawston.
- Reservoir not waterproofed and cracked roof slab at Hawston.
- Reduced width of double leaved structural walls and segregated top bearing elements unresolved at Hawston and Scottsdene.
(b) Number of schools experiencing similar problems:
- Two other schools are subject to investigations of design of structural engineering elements.
(c) Measures implemented to remedy the current situation:
i. Specialist forensic engineering investigator appointed and the cause of the defects identified with recommended solutions.
ii. The consulting engineering practice in question was put to terms which include the possible termination of the contract, in the event that the rendering of inadequate professional services continues.
iii. An engineering design review panel is to be appointed to assist in assessing compliance of designs to standards in future.
(d) 38 schools are currently under construction in the province.
