Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has blamed negligence for the lack of provisional water and sanitation services at a school in Bapsfontein, Ekurhuleni.
It's people who have just ignored their work, to be quite frank.
— Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education
I'm embarrassed, I'm disappointed. We were deeply let down by our team.
— Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education
Lesufi visited Bekekayo Intermediate School on Tuesday to assess the situation, where they have been without water for the past six months.
The Sowetan reported that the 260 pupils have been unable to use water and toilet facilities since a borehole pump at the school broke in November last year.
Learners and staff have had to travel two kilometres to use the nearest toilet.
The MEC says the department should have made contingency plans, such as providing mobile toilets or additional support.
He explains that department officials tasked with monitoring schools did not flag the situation at the Gauteng school.
He explains what measures the department will make to provide temporary relief.
Take a listen to him explain: