The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that eight schools in the province have been closed for teaching and learning due to the ongoing water crisis in Beaufort West.
Western Cape Education MEC Lowellen Appies said all schools in Beaufort West, excluding those in Merweville, Murraysburg and Nelspoort, will be closed on Wednesday.
High school learners in Grades 8 to 12 would only come to school on Wednesday to write their scheduled term examinations.
They would be allowed to go home afterwards.
The arrangement also applies to educators and support staff.
Normal school operations would resume on Thursday.
The affected schools are:
- A.H. Barnard Primêre Skool
- Beaufort West Voorbereiding Skool
- Beaufort West Primêre Skool
- H.M. Dikkla Primary School
- John D. Crawford Primêre Skool
- Niko Brummer Primary School
- St. Matthews Primêre Skool
- Teske Gedenk Primêre Skool
The following schools will be open for examination purposes only on Wednesday:
- Bastiaanse Sekondêre Skool
- Beaufort-Wes Sekondêr
- Mandlenkosi Secondary School
- Sentraal Hoërskool
‘Unfortunate state of events’
The closures come as the water crisis continues to affect the area.
On Tuesday, the Beaufort West Municipality said it had distributed water to some areas. However, the water supply from the reservoirs was stopped after a private contractor caused sudden and unexpected damage to the Brandwacht pipeline earlier in the day.
“The communities with access to water are advised to make provision by filling empty containers. It is really an unfortunate state of events and we apologise accordingly,” said Frans Sabbat, acting municipal manager.
Residents frustrated over water shortages
Resident Alex Fox said the water crisis in Beaufort West has become a full-blown disaster, with communities growing increasingly frustrated as the municipality has failed to provide a clear timeframe for the restoration of water supplies.
Since the incident on Friday, September 4, when flooding of the Gamka River damaged the town’s main water supply pipeline, there has been no running water from the taps.
“Up to now, no clear plan has been communicated to indicate how long it will take for water to be restored to our pipes.”
Fox said people stand in long queues from early morning waiting for water trucks that do not reach everyone.
“Elderly people who live alone without children are suffering the most. They cannot walk long distances to refill water buckets, and the distance to a water truck is far for them.
“We have experienced the worst drought in the past in Beaufort West, but co-ordination was far better – trucks drove street-by-street to ensure every household received water.”
Fox said that this time, while the dams are full, there is no sense of urgency around a restoration plan.
“This is unacceptable. The water is there, but the leadership to restore and distribute it is lacking.”
He said the water crisis has become a heavy burden.
“Local businesses cannot operate as usual, the local economy is suffering, and schools are being affected during exam time, with schools already forced to close.”
Support from municipalities and Gift of the Givers
Fox said residents are grateful for the assistance received from Hessequa Municipality, George Municipality, Central Karoo District Municipality and Gift of the Givers, as well as everyone who has been providing support with water tankers.
“More importantly, we salute the local team that works day and night, offering their own time to serve our people, co-ordinating truck routes to make sure water is delivered.”
Fox called on the Western Cape Government to officially declare Beaufort West a disaster area, provide a speedy and clear restoration plan with timeframes, and ensure a street-by-street water delivery system that prioritises the elderly and vulnerable.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL News
