​MEC Maile monitors construction progress at Refitlhile Pele Primary School in Tshwane
By Prudence Motsila
28 October 2022 
Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development Mr. Lebogang Maile visited the construction and refurbishment site of Refithlile Pele Primary School in Soshanguve Block TT, in the Northern Development Corridor encompassing the City of Tshwane, on the 27 October 2022 to monitor progress on the project. The school upgrading and classroom addition project is part of the government programme to do away with asbestos education facilities to create an environment conducive to learning and teaching. 
A large part of the school was structured with asbestos materials that were not compliant with building regulations and temporary structures which were dilapidated.
MEC Maile was accompanied by the HoD Dr. Thulani A. Mdadane, as well as the DDG responsible for Education Infrastructure and Other Government Buildings Mr. Mmakwena Selepe, the Internal Project Manager Mr. Mashiane Dipela, other departmental officials and the contractor. The MEC was updated on progress in the project team during a walkabout of the construction site. The team pointed out works in various sections of the site and said the project was on track with no delays were experience thus far.
The Project Manager said the school is classified a large primary school with facilities that will cater for learners from Grade R to Grade 7. The school will also have a modern information communication technology infrastructure to support 21 century learning and teaching. "The facility with a design based on a prototype that incorporates Department of Education National Schools Infrastructure Norms and Standards."
"The scope of the project includes the relocation of the existing mobile units, rental of additional units, relocation of the exiting school. Demolitions and refurbishment of the existing school structures consisting of renovations of existing permanent structures and existing dilapidated temporary structures and prefab asbestos classroom block; and the construction of the new school which includes a Multi-Purpose School Hall, Nutrition Centre, a Science Lab, an Admin Block, 15 ordinary classrooms, 1 Grade R block comprising of 3 classrooms, amongst other things.". The project is due for completion by end of June 2023. 
MEC Maile emphasised the importance of keeping the project on track to avoid wasteful and irregular expenditure and to ensuring that work done is of high quality. The team said project challenges included excessive ground water presence which was caused by ground leaking pipe. Modifications will help improve drainage.