Question NW1848 to the Minister of Basic Education

Reply:

Information from the Mpumalanga Department of Education is that the school for the hearing impaired has not been constructed by the department as yet. When the project was identified, the Department commenced with the search for a site for the school for the deaf and the criteria for the site selection was proximity to a hearing institute and a provincial hospital for the purpose of the routine assessments of the learners. Four (4) sites were identified and all were found to be unsuitable due to reasons including inadequate size, distance from an ear institute and provincial hospital and unsuitable terrain. Further, assistance was solicited from Mbombela Local Municipality and Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency (MEGA) without success. However, it in the absence of the site, the Department proceeded with benchmarking the curriculum delivery and infrastructure delivery models with other provinces, namely KZN, Gauteng and Western Cape. In addition, the Department proceeded and completed the generic designs for the proposed school and is only waiting for adaptation to a site, once available. A suitable site has subsequently been identified in Kaapsche Hoop, 25km outside Nelspruit. Negotiations have ensued in an effort to secure the land as the stakeholders and the MPDoE is satisfied with the suitability of the site. A budget has been allocated in the 2017/18 financial year Infrastructure Plan for environmental assessment, geotechnical investigations, topographical survey and the subsequent adaptation of the generic designs onto the site layout plan. Construction of the school is projected to commence 2018/19 financial year.