EC Education Dept preparing for return of learners in aftermath of floods

JOHANNESBURG - The Eastern Cape Education Department is preparing for the return of learners from the June holidays after 229 schools were damaged by recent floods.

The province said it would need at least R437 million to repair the infrastructure in six municipalities ravaged by the deadly floods, with the OR Tambo and Amathole Districts hardest hit.

The provincial government held a media briefing on Wednesday in Mthatha to give updates on disaster response and recovery operations.

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COGTA MEC Zolile Williams said: "The replacement of damaged stationery to the affected 727 learners has been concluded. All the 12,330 learners who missed examinations due to the disaster have since written their examinations."

He added that the delivery of uniforms to at least 700 affected learners would only be finalised at the end of July, while the 90 learners identified in Mnquma Municipality would be moved to other schools and would be provided with scholar transport.

"Processes are underway to ensure that we fully understand the needs of each learner who is either staying at a mass care center or a tea to ensure that they are adequately accommodated with their learning needs."