<\/p>\n
The construction of a new R198 million campus for the Rivoni School for the Blind in Limpopo, meant to serve 170 learners, has stalled once again.<\/p>\n
Building materials have been stolen and walls are crumbling due to flood damage. Meanwhile, the school operates in flimsy prefabricated classrooms and dormitories.<\/p>\n
Read: More than R200m spent on unused sports stadiums by Limpopo municipalities<\/p>\n
The project in Njakanjaka village was launched after school learners protested for better conditions in 2019. It was supposed to be a state-of-the-art facility, complete with an eye clinic. It was meant to be ready by June 2024.<\/p>\n
But the project has faced multiple delays. In October, GroundUp reported that the contractor, Clear Choice Builders, had been placed in business rescue before the project was completed. The company had been paid R157 million.<\/p>\n
The Limpopo Department of Education, which is funding the project, and the Independent Development Trust (IDT), which is managing it, insisted at the time that the project would be completed by 10 December 2025.<\/p>\n
But that deadline was missed, and there has been no visible progress.<\/p>\n
In response to questions, the IDT said the contract with Clear Choice Builders was terminated in November due to breach of contract and non-performance, with 86% of the work completed, excluding the eye clinic.<\/p>\n
Decaying<\/p>\n
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GroundUp visited the site in mid-March. Workers and security staff we spoke to said they have not been paid for more than a year. Heavy rains have caused a wall to collapse. Roofing sheets were leaking, wooden materials were decaying, and some structures against the steep embankment were under pressure from soil erosion.<\/p>\n
Large parts of the site were waterlogged, with stagnant water around several buildings.<\/p>\n
The eye clinic\u2019s foundation remains incomplete, with exposed steel reinforcement bars already rusting. Cement left on site has hardened after being exposed to rain. Weeds grow around the buildings.<\/p>\n
Inside, the school remains incomplete, with empty corridors, unattended materials and visible water damage.<\/p>\n
Roofs are damaged, walls are collapsing, and weeds grow around the buildings. Image: Thembi Siaga, GroundUp<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the school continues to operate in prefabricated buildings. Many of the learners from grade R to 12 stay in dormitories with holes in the floors. They only have mobile toilets.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe situation is worrying,\u201d said Joshua Chavalala, a local resident and a member of the project steering community. \u201cElectricity cables have already been stolen, and doors could be next \u2026 The Department of Education and the IDT are not taking the children\u2019s situation seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said he hopes the project will be completed before winter, as the mobile classrooms are too cold for learners.<\/p>\n
The director of the security company, who asked not to be named, said the contractor owes her more than R500 000, leaving her unable to pay workers.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe workers still want their money from me. I tried to pay them using my own money, but after many months, I could not continue because I was also not paid,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
IDT responds<\/p>\n
The IDT said it is in the process of procuring a replacement contractor.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe remaining work includes completing the eye clinic, remedial works necessitated by weather exposure, external works, and other finishes,\u201d the IDT said in response to questions.<\/p>\n
The cost of repairs due to weather damage will be determined during the new tender process, the IDT said. It had not received any reports of vandalism or cable theft.<\/p>\n
\u201cA revised completion date will only be determined once a new contractor is appointed,\u201d said Limpopo Department of Education spokesperson Mike Maringa.<\/p>\n
Published with Limpopo Mirror<\/p>\n
\u00a9 2026 GroundUp. This article was first published here.<\/p>\n
#R198m #Limpopo #school #blind #incomplete #falling<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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