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25 Jun 2012

Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development, Bheki Nkosi, has noted the accelerated pace of service delivery in the construction of the Lotus Gardens and Olievenhoutbosch schools through the use of the Alternative Construction Method (ACM).

The overall percentage of construction completed at Lotus Gardens Primary School is 60%, while at Olievenhoutbosch Primary School is 70%.

“I am excited by the pace and level of progress made on these two projects. I am more than satisfied with what has happened in this short space of time, said MEC Nkosi.”

The Olivenhoutbosch and Lotus Gardens Primary schools form part of the department’s educational infrastructure programme currently being implemented in partnership with the Independent Development Trust (IDT), using ACM.

The ACM used for Olivenhoutbosch Primary School is the UCO system, while the system used at Lotus Gardens Primary school is called the Robust system.

The concept of ACM was inaugurated by Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane during a sodturning ceremony at Olievenhoutbosch on 8 March 2012.

“During the event, Mokonyane declared that the school would be commissioned within 6 months. Three months later, 70% of the project has been completed and this includes foundations, walls and part of the roof,” added MEC Nkosi.

The ACM approach also enables communities to gain new skills in the construction and engineering sectors, while also accelerating the delivery of social services.

The finished schools will ultimately have 24 new classrooms, which will house Grade R, the foundation phase, intermediary phase and senior grade 7 block of classrooms, an administration block with the library and computer room, sports facilities, guard house, paved parking and grounds, security fencing and landscaping around the school.

According to Nkosi, the service delivery and speedy access to social services by the people of Gauteng remains a key priority for his department and for government as a whole.

"The rapid growth in the number of people living in the province also escalates the demand for social services such as education and health, in line with the birth of new communities and the resultant living patterns", he said.

“This challenge calls for faster and efficient methods of constructing public buildings and amenities that are both of quality and are sustainable and will enable the efficient delivery of services,” he said.

Other ACM projects include schools in Eldorado Park, Temba, Winterveld, Hammanskraal, New Eersterus, Soshanguve, Moreleta Park, and Freedom Park. The department will also construct a further 163 grade R classrooms and the upgrading of 42 schools, across Gauteng.

For more information contact:
Philemon Motshwaedi
Tel: 011 355 5105
Cell: 083 648 6870
E-mail: Philemon.Motshwaedi@gauteng.gov.za

Issued by: Gauteng Infrastructure Development
25 Jun 2012

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