“The department refutes the misinformation that is being circulated on social media that it has issued a tender costing the department R170 000 for one water tank,” said the department in a statement released by the KZN education department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi.

The department came under fire after social media posts claimed it spent a whopping R170 000 each on water tankers.

The department has been implementing infrastructure projects with haste to ensure schools have proper facilities to combat Covid-19.

Mahlambi said processes were administered by implementing agencies, who enlisted the services of 37 companies to install hand-wash stations and 147 companies to install static water tanks.

“The fact of the matter is that the department spent R28 000 per 5 000L water tank and R6 500 per hand washing station. The above prices are inclusive of delivery, stands and installation,” he said.

He said there was a campaign to tarnish the department.

“The department notes with grave concern what seems to be a concerted campaign to discredit its image through the deliberate spread of misinformation.”

Mahlambi said they were intent on focusing on the return of pupils.

“Our focus now is our recovery plan for our learners and preparation for the return of the next grades.”

Water tank issues at schools

News24 previously reported Premier Sihle Zikalala said that since schools reopened on 8 June, the KZN education department had struggled to provide water and sanitation in some parts of the province.

Residents in some areas had stopped water tankers from going to schools, and demanded that it be sent to the community instead.

In the King Cetshwayo and Umkhanyakude districts, there were reports that communities “helped themselves” to water in schools, thus emptying the tanks.

Zikalala added there had also been poor workmanship by appointed service providers.

News24