Construction work has been halted on a George school project after locals vandalised the construction site during a protest in Thembalethu on Thursday.
The Western Cape Education Department said that the attack “is suspected to be linked to continued unrest in the area related to the demolition of unlawfully erected structures on land earmarked for housing.”
Department spokesperson, Jessica Shelver, said that the site offices and stores were completely destroyed by fire.
“This includes all site administration documents, computers, and camera equipment. In addition, vehicles and machines were vandalised and materials stolen. Security personnel were chased away,” she said.
“In the interests of safety, the DTPW Education Infrastructure Directorate has advised construction personnel to close the site until further notice.”
“It is despicable that criminals would choose to target schooling infrastructure with their unlawful behaviour, infrastructure that is set to add immense value to the community and improve the life chances of our youth,” Shelver said.
“As a result, the school project has now been placed on hold, delaying its delivery,” she added.
Shelver said five schools in the Thembalethu area were also disrupted by the protest action on Thursday.
(Pics:Supplied)
