The Eastern Cape Department of Education says it remains committed to eradicating dangerous pit toilets at schools, despite ongoing financial constraints.
The commitment was reaffirmed during an oversight visit to Dimbaza Primary School on Monday, led by Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade.
The visit highlighted progress made under the Sanitation Appropriate for Education (SAFE) Initiative, launched in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa to replace unsafe pit toilets with proper sanitation facilities in schools.
The department said the SAFE Programme has completed all projects identified in its initial assessment, significantly improving the safety, dignity and learning environment for pupils and teachers. However, it acknowledged that some pit latrines still remain in schools across the province and must be removed.
Education officials thanked the Department of Basic Education for its continued support and also acknowledged the contributions of the Department of Social Development, Buffalo City Local Municipality and the Dimbaza community.
The department appealed to communities to protect the newly built sanitation facilities from vandalism and theft to ensure they continue benefiting learners for years to come.
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