JEFFREYS BAY – Progress is finally being made on the long-delayed toilet renovation project at Pellsrus Primary School in Jeffreys Bay, following intervention by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube, with completion now expected by January 2026.
As previously reported, the school’s 1,200 learners have been enduring a sanitation crisis since 2024, when a R2 million bathroom renovation project was brought to a halt after contractors allegedly disappeared from the site.
The learners were left with just six portable toilets after previously having adequate facilities with 17 toilets for boys and 19 for girls.
The renovation contract began in 2024 and was originally scheduled for completion in February this year.
According to Vivian Van Eyck, Chairperson of the School Governing Body, following Gwarube’s visit to the school on 17 November, significant action has been taken to address the crisis.
Speaking about her visit, Gwarube explained the situation.
She said that part of the reason for the delay in the commencement of construction was that the contractor walked off the site due to cash flow issues.
Thankfully, Gwarube said that the contractor’s services have been terminated and a new contractor has been appointed.
She further emphasised the need for accountability in government contracting.
“I think for me the bigger issue here is that it’s very, very important that contractors who do not finish work, who do not complete work or who do subpar work should not find government work ever again. We should blacklist contractors who are doing this kind of work because it’s unacceptable,” said Gwarube.
“It’s also about a waste of money because ultimately now the new contractor has to come on and has to start, and at least continue from the work that was there.”
Despite the setback, Gwarube remains optimistic about the progress.
“I’m pleased to now know that the contractor is already on site and that they anticipate that they’ll be done with the project when the children come back to school in January 2026.”
She noted that only about 20% of the work remains and confirmed that mobile ablution facilities have been provided by the implementing agent at no extra cost to the department as an interim measure.
Van Eyck confirmed that significant progress has been made since Gwarube’s visit.
“Thankfully, since the minister’s visit on 17 November, the new contractors have been busy working on the school toilets. They have been working from early in the morning to late at night,” said Van Eyck.
He further revealed that during Gwarube’s visit, they found that the old toilets were still there but the toilet pipes had been removed.
Van Eyck said that since R2 million was allocated for the project, he hopes to receive answers as to what the money was used for.
“My question is where did all the money go to considering that there is only approximately R700,000 left,” said Van Eyck.
He further expressed urgency about completion time and has informed Gwarube that he wants the contractors to be done with the project in two weeks’ time.
