Gauteng education department inspects water and sanitation at Reiger Park Secondary

The Gauteng Department of Education has sent an inspector to Reiger Park Secondary School in Boksburg to assess concerns about the condition of ablution facilities and access to drinking water, the province’s Education MEC Lebogang Maile said.

Assessment to determine type of intervention

The department said the inspection will evaluate the school’s ablution and water infrastructure and decide what intervention is required. The outcome will be used to determine whether issues can be addressed through routine maintenance or require further infrastructure intervention.

Official response and rights highlighted

Maile said the department takes the concerns seriously and emphasised the importance of basic services in schools. He said functional sanitation and access to water are fundamental requirements.

“Every learner has a right to learn in a safe, dignified, and conducive environment. Functional sanitation and access to water are fundamental requirements in our schools, and concerns relating to these facilities must receive the necessary attention,” Maile said.

Past maintenance at the school

The department said it previously carried out significant maintenance at Reiger Park Secondary School. In May 2025, the Head Office Infrastructure unit completed major repairs after the school’s infrastructure had been vandalised. That work included repairs to ablution facilities and the replacement of sanitary components, sewer pipes and drinking-water fountains.

Other maintenance in that programme included replacement of windows, doors, flooring and ceilings; repairs in classrooms; roof repairs; installation of new security gates; and replacement of the school’s perimeter fence.

Responsibility for routine upkeep

The department noted that schools have a responsibility to conduct routine maintenance and minor repairs, and that under the National Norms and Standards for School Funding, schools receive funding that includes provision for maintenance of buildings, grounds and equipment. The department will determine whether the current concerns fall within the school’s routine maintenance responsibilities or require additional intervention.

Call to protect school infrastructure

Maile also urged school communities to guard against vandalism, saying it places additional pressure on resources that should be used to improve teaching and learning.

“We must also protect the infrastructure provided to our schools. Vandalism places additional pressure on resources that should be used to improve teaching and learning,” he said. “School communities must work with us to safeguard public infrastructure for the benefit of learners.”

The Gauteng Department of Education said it will continue monitoring the situation at Reiger Park Secondary School and ensure appropriate measures are taken after the infrastructure assessment.