DA raises concerns over Gauteng schools with no water, electricity

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has raised concern that more than 500 schools in the province have had their electricity and water disconnected due to outstanding utility bills amounting to R58 million.

The party says the disconnections have severely impacted the provision of basic services.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos, has criticised the Gauteng Department of Education for what he calls an attempt to evade responsibility.

He insists that even no-fee paying schools are being held liable for the unpaid utility bills, which he believes is unfair and unsustainable.

“A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government will ensure that timely payments of all the accounts sets up a task team in the MEC’s office to resolve municipal disputes and providing emergency support were needed. We’d also invest in long terms solutions like solar power and boreholes.”