![The project has exceeded its local labour targets. Photo by Zanele Jam-Jam The project has exceeded its local labour targets. Photo by Zanele Jam-Jam](https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/www.westerncape.gov.za/files/the_project_has_exceeded_its_local_labour_targets.jpg)
Construction of the new Worcester High School is nearing completion and the facility is expected to open its doors in January 2017.
This facility can provide top-quality accommodation for up to 1 250 learners. The R61 million project was commissioned in August 2015 by the Department of Transport and Public Works (DTPW) for the Western Cape Education Department.
Teaching facilities comprise 33 standard classrooms, two multi-purpose classrooms, two science laboratory rooms, and a media room. The complex also has a hall with toilet facilities, an administrative building and caretaker facilities. Two netball courts, a rugby field and landscaping are expected to have been completed in March 2017.
The landscaping design combines grass and perennial flowering plants, including planters in the courtyard. The building has some capacity to harvest rainwater for irrigation, which will reduce the consumption of this precious resource and lead to long-term cost savings for the school.
DTPW is committed to creating short-term Expanded Public Works Programme employment and skills training opportunities. The project has exceeded its empowerment and employment targets, with R10,5 million spent on targeted enterprises and R5,5 million on local labour from the Breede Valley municipal area. In addition, two EPWP National Youth Service programme participants benefited from basic training in electrical and civil works.
The Western Cape Government invests heavily in education infrastructure to improve the quality of teaching and learning, as well as to meet the increasing demand for schooling in the province. This is in line with the Provincial Strategic Goal 2, to improve education outcomes and opportunities for youth development.
You can follow the Department of Transport and Public Works on Twitter: @WCGovTPW