Question NW1464 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
02 June 2021 - NW1464
King, Ms C to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What (a) measures are in place to ensure the relocation to Thekwini Technical and Vocational Education and Training College from the landfill site and (b) new equipment was purchased for practical teaching and learning at the college to date?
Reply:
(a) After due consideration, the College and Council have established that the relocation of the campus is not feasible due to the following reasons:
- no public land or suitable buildings are available within a viable distance of the current campus;
- no funding is available to purchase private land and construct an equivalent site;
- any such move would in reality take 3 to 4 years and the challenge needs an immediate intervention; and
- the landfill is in fact closed and the challenges being experienced are due to a lack of management by the municipality in enforcing its closure.
(b) The Department has commenced with an intergovernmental process to secure the effective enforcement of the closure of the site. This process is being coordinated via the Office of the Minister.