MFA undertook a comprehensive renovation of an ageing government school campus in Ekurhuleni — replacing roofing, windows, plumbing and electrical installations across multiple blocks while the school remained operational, bringing the facilities up to current building standards.
Project Background
The school — built in the 1970s — had reached the end of its useful life in several key respects. Asbestos corrugated roofing required safe removal and replacement, the original single-glazed steel-framed windows were failing and allowing water ingress, the plumbing reticulation had been patched repeatedly and was unreliable, and the electrical installation was below current SANS 10142 standards. The project was funded through the Department of Public Works' Schools Infrastructure Backlog programme.
Scope of Work
- Asbestos roof removal by a licensed asbestos contractor (sub-contracted under MFA's supervision) followed by installation of new IBR sheeting with insulation on all five classroom blocks
- Replacement of 180 steel-frame windows with powder-coated aluminium double-glazed units throughout
- Full plumbing replacement — new HDPE supply lines, new ablution fixtures and fittings in all four toilet blocks
- Complete rewire of all five classroom blocks to SANS 10142 — new DB boards, cabling, lighting and plug points
- Internal repainting of all renovated spaces — walls, ceilings and woodwork
- External rendering and painting of all five classroom blocks
Working Around the School Calendar
Roofing works were scheduled during school holidays wherever possible to minimise disruption from noise and access restrictions. For classroom blocks where roofing had to be done during term time, temporary weatherproofing was installed each Friday afternoon and removed each Monday morning so classrooms remained usable throughout the week.
Electrical works required full block shutdowns, so these were co-ordinated with the school principal on a rotation schedule — no more than one block at a time was out of service, and temporary lighting was provided in all occupied spaces during the transition.
Outcome
All five blocks were handed over within nine months. The school's energy consumption reduced significantly following the new insulation and LED lighting installation. The principal reported that learner absenteeism in the first winter term after renovation dropped compared to previous years — attributing it in part to the warmer, better-lit classrooms.
"This renovation transformed our school. The classrooms are brighter, warmer and finally watertight. MFA worked cleanly, safely and always kept us informed. A fantastic result."