Better to build more schools than classrooms

THE Gauteng Department of Education has apparently allocated R240 million for additional classrooms to be built at overcrowded schools. It proposes to build 499 classrooms at a cost of about R480 000 a classroom.

Schools operate efficiently when the learner population does not exceed 850. According to the internet, it would cost between R10.2m and R14.5m to build a new school. I’m not sure if this correct as the Chief Albert Luthuli Primary School in Daveyton cost R92.9m, which is exorbitant and ridiculous. Wouldn’t it be better to build say 18 new schools in the highly congested areas with this money, and thus give relief to many of the overcrowded schools, making education more accessible and improving the standard as well as the administration? JOHN WHITLOCK |