Construction of the new Worcester high school, in the Western Cape, is nearing completion and is expected to open its doors in January, the Western Cape government (WCG) said on Thursday.

The R61-million project was commissioned in August 2015 by the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) for the Western Cape Education Department.

The WCG said the the facility would provide “top-quality” accommodation for 1 250 learners. Teaching facilities comprise 33 standard classrooms, two multipurpose classrooms, two science laboratory rooms and a media room. The complex also has a hall with toilet facilities, an administrative building and caretaker facilities.

Additionally, two netball courts, a rugby field and landscaping are expected to be completed by the end of March.

The landscaping design combines grass and perennial flowering plants, including planters in the courtyard. The building has some capacity to harvest rainwater for irrigation, which will reduce the consumption of this precious resource and lead to long-term cost savings for the school.
 
DTPW emphasised that it was committed to creating short-term expanded public works programme (EPWP) employment and skills training opportunities. “This project has exceeded its empowerment and employment targets, with R10.5-million spent on targeted enterprises and R5.5-million on local labour from the Breede Valley municipal area,” the department highlighted.

Additionally, the DTPW pointed out that two EPWP National Youth Service programme participants benefited from basic training in electrical and civil works during the school’s construction.

“We invests heavily in education infrastructure to improve the quality of teaching and learning and continue to strive to meet the increasing demand for schooling in the province. This is in line with the second provincial strategic goal, which aims to improve education outcomes and opportunities for youth development,” the WCG stated.