Heatherlands High School maintenance concerns raised by George residents

GEORGE NEWS - Residents who visited Heatherlands High School in George to vote on Wednesday 4 November, have raised concerns about the condition of the school’s infrastructure, saying they want learners educated in a safe, well-maintained environment.

Several Heather Park residents contacted the George Herald after visiting the school, which served as a voting station during the elections.

Photographs supplied to the newspaper show what appears to be damaged roofing, vegetation growing in gutters, a broken rainwater downpipe and a weathered fire hose reel with visible corrosion on the pipework.

One resident also reported broken benches and general disrepair. A handwritten sign incorrectly spelling ‘Heatherlands’ as ‘Heaterlands’ also caught residents’attention.

Department acknowledges maintenance needs

In response to George Herald’s enquiry, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) acknowledged that several maintenance and infrastructure matters require attention.

According to Millicent Merton, of the WCED’s communication team, these include improvements to the school grounds and gardens, repairs to damaged furniture, cleaning and repainting walls, and general upkeep.

The school also suffered extensive storm damage in May, which Merton said was immediately addressed.

Damaged guttering and exposed sections beneath the roof at Heatherlands High School are among the maintenance concerns. Photo: Supplied

The department has since assessed areas requiring repairs, refurbishment or upgrades, including the proposed refurbishment of the school’s ablution facilities.

A classroom repurposing project has also been approved by the school governing body and submitted for consideration.

Merton explained that Heatherlands High is a no-fee school that relies on available funding and departmental support for certain infrastructure needs.

Four grounds staff members maintain the premises, with work undertaken in phases according to priorities and available resources.

Maintenance requiring specialised skills or technical assessments is referred for assistance. This includes work on the school hall’s gutters, which requires careful assessment to prevent further structural damage.