The DA in Limpopo calls on Education MEC, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, to address underspending of R187.965 million in the department and improve the management of infrastructure projects to ensure a conducive learning environment for our learners.
In the Limpopo Adjustment Appropriation Amendment Bill for 2024/25, the Limpopo Department of Education (LDoE) had a R187.965 million allocation from the Education Infrastructure Grant stopped, seemingly due to underspending caused by delays in infrastructure projects.
The underspending on infrastructure projects is a result of poor planning, weak monitoring and implementing agents that cannot complete projects within schedule and is an indictment of the department’s misgovernance.
The department also surrendered a further R112 million of their operational funds amid infrastructure challenges in Limpopo and this raises concerns on the effect it will have on the mandate of the department and its programmes. LDoE received an additional R86.388 million for disaster management intervention for infrastructure damaged by floods and MEC Lerule-Ramakhanya must ensure it is utilised efficiently and avoid unwanted expenditure.
It is unacceptable that the department loses infrastructure grant funding while Limpopo learners are exposed to learning under trees, overcrowding, dilapidated buildings and a severe shortage of classrooms.
The department needs to ensure there is greater monitoring over implementing agents and improved project management to ensure that infrastructure projects are of a satisfactory standard, are done on time and within the allocated budget. The DA will monitor the expenditure of the disaster management funds to ensure it is spent in accordance with the legislative framework.