Questions were raised about the variance in the cost of construction from the original figure of R400 million for 50 schools to the amount of R711 million for 28 schools. Furthermore, the Committee sought to determine the exact cost per square meter in view of the huge variance and whether any of the successful bidders came from the Eastern Cape Province. The Department reported that the costs for construction were at R10 200 per m. A detailed breakdown outlining what this amount included was requested from the Department. It was also reported that the higher than expected costing for the construction of the schools by the bidders led to a delay in the commencement of construction.