THE Eastern Cape government is still failing to provide sufficient pupil transport despite an additional R210-million being allocated.
Responding to written questions from the DA, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said the department was aware of the problems. However, the transport function had been transferred to the provincial department last year.
Her department was now only responsible for identifying the beneficiaries and monitoring the transport functionality.
Despite an additional R210- million being allocated for the 2012/13 financial year, Motshekga said more was needed.
"It has become clear the budget is not sufficient to cover all the needs identified and efforts are being pursued together with the province to find a solution,” she said.
A total of 54406 pupils in 644 schools were being provided with transport.
At the beginning of last year, the programme had to be shut down temporarily over financial woes, leaving many children either being forced to stay at home or walk long distances to their schools. – Denise Williams
