Six schools in flood-ridden Ladysmith unable to open
Six
schools in Ladysmith weren't able to open their doors to learners on Wednesday
morning due to flooding.
The KwaZulu-Natal town was pounded by heavy rains over the weekend leaving parts of it under water.
Dozens of people have been evacuated from their homes.
Yesterday the KZN Cooperative Governance Department said it was still assessing the damage.
Education MEC, Kwazi Mshengu says they hope the affected schools will be able to begin schooling tomorrow or on Friday.
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"We depend on the weather conditions as long as they still not accessible we have to try and see learners can now be directed to other schools. But as long as they are not accessible because of weather we will not risk lives.”
Mshengu says some 191 schools in the province have suffered some storm damage.
He says over R200 million is needed for repairs.
The MEC also vowed to put measures in place to get 11 schools in uMkhambathini, near Pietermaritzburg, to begin teaching and learning on Thursday.
The schools didn't open on the first day after some community members padlocked the gates and apparently threatened staff and pupils.
It's understood the issue is related to a ongoing dispute involving the local traditional leadership.
"We then have to gather that the schools will be closed yesterday and today with intention of working with the law enforcement to ensure that there's stability in the area. At least we can guarantee the safety of the educators. We are intending to open the schools tomorrow because a security plan is unfolding as we speak."
