Japan spends R40m on schools

2004-03-16 13:26

Jabu Mhlabane

Nelspruit - School buildings built at a cost of R40m by the Japanese government were handed to 20 schools in Mpumalanga on Monday.

The 232 classrooms, four administration blocks, 10 libraries, 10 laboratories and 248 toilets were totally funded by the Japanese government.

"We are very grateful to the Japanese government for its willingness and commitment to support our young democracy," said education MEC Craig Padayachee.

He said the buildings will benefit 9 000 children at 20 primary, combined and secondary schools in the Nkangala, Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande regions.

"As a result of the schools that are being handed over today, overcrowding has been reduced," he said.

He urged pupils, teachers and community members to look after the facilities and guard against vandalism.

Japanese ambassador to South Africa, Toshinori Shigeie, said that since 1994 the Japanese government has supported the construction of over 1 000 classrooms in South Africa through its Grant Aid Assistance scheme.

He said similar projects have also been implemented in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal province.

"This project is a symbol of friendship and co-operation between Japan and South Africa," he said. "We are happy and proud to have jointly completed it with you."

The primary schools that are benefiting from the project are Hoechst, Sifundzekhaya, Sondlovu, Ekuphumeleni, Isifsosetfu, SS Mshayisa, Slovo, Ramaphosa, Chief Luthuli, Sinqobile Refithile and Lusaka.

The secondary schools are Sibaneseftu, Ikhethelo, MM Motloung, Kologane and Lingalibalele.

The combined schools are Izithandani and Shukuma.

- African Eye