(a) What is the total number of inappropriate and unsafe ablution facilities?
- In 2018, the Department of Basic Education launched the Sanitation Appropriate For Education (SAFE-2018) initiative.
- This programme initially identified 3 898 schools dependent on basic pit toilets. Additional 809 were identified during the process of monitoring.
- 867 schools did not proceed to implementation, after initial assessment, because they either had appropriate sanitation facilities, OR only needed maintenance; and therefore did not meet the SAFE criteria; OR were on Private land and could not be developed further; OR schools closed due to low learner enrolment.
(b) What progress has her department made in replacing such inappropriate and unsafe facilities?
- 3 379 schools proceeded to implementation, and 3 003 of these schools have been provided with appropriate sanitation.
- DBE plans to complete the balance of the schools in the 2024/25 financial year due to National Treasury budget cuts during 2023/24 financial year.