On engaging with the Department of Basic Education (the Department) during the adjustments budget period on 16 November 2011, the Committee was informed that the construction of the 50 schools in the Eastern Cape Province would commence in December 2011. While the Committee was sceptical of the practicality of such an assertion given that the construction industry comes to a halt around the middle of December, the Department assured the Committee that construction would commence and carry on throughout the festive season. The Committee was informed that part of the requirements and conditions that bidders had to meet was that they would work throughout the holiday season and that building materials would be available as required during this time. The Committee resolved to visit the Eastern Cape Province at the start of 2011 to assess the extent of progress in the construction of the schools. The visit would also determine the extent of expenditure given that the funds were to be spent and the project concluded by 31 March 2012.