Education
With regard to the construction work at the Nowers Academy:
(a) What are the details of all the engagements that his Department has held with (i) sister departments, (ii) implementing agents, (iii) local stakeholders and (iv) the community at large regarding the ongoing work at the school, (b) what (i) business and (ii) work opportunities are there for the local residents, (c) what are the details of the (i) local businesses and (ii) local individuals who have and/or will benefit from the project and (d) how can local businesses register on the H&I database as implementing agents for the project at the school?
My Department has informed me of the following:
(a) (i) – (iv)
The Department engaged various stakeholders on 27 September 2022, 19 October 2022, 25 October 2022 and 27 October 2022.
These engagements were facilitated by the Metro Central Education District Director, and the area Circuit Manager, who has administrative oversight responsibility for the local Hout Bay schools. Local education stakeholders and interested community stakeholders were informed of the plans to repurpose the former special needs school to a school that would offer multiple learning pathways, including technical and vocational streams, as well as facilities that would enable wellbeing and psycho-social support to learners.
The new school would also address placement pressures for children residing in, although not limited to, the Hangberg, Imizamo Yethu and Masiphumelele areas.
The contractor assigned, H&I, has via its social facilitator, convened engagements with interested community groups regarding work opportunities, which are limited initially due to the specialised nature of the restoration work.
The broader precinct plan, which will outline the full design and development of further new education and social facilities, is under development and will be subject to public participation and engagement with the appropriate authorities, as the initial enrolment of learners is expected to grow beyond its initial intake when the school opens.
(b) (i) and (ii)
The management contractor H&I has been assigned work to repair and rehabilitate classrooms, common spaces, roof and other specialist facilities. Work opportunities have been made available during this initial phase to residents for the following trades: cleaning, painting and landscaping.
(c) (i) and (ii)
Interested local enterprises and individual who would want to be considered for current and possible future work opportunities can submit their details at the entrance to the construction site.
As the upgrade work progresses, the database of beneficiaries will be updated. On this project the following local entities have taken up opportunities:
Maphallang Landscaping: 8 local labourers
Ziya and Sons: 25 local labourers
(d) See above – details can be submitted at the entrance to the site.
