The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) has called for tenders for the first-phase construction of a maths, science and technology institution in KwaZulu-Natal.

The La Mercy Maths, Science and Technology Academy forms part of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education’s (DoE’s) ambitious R15-billion school-building programme, in which the CDC is assisting.

The scope of work outlined in the tender, which closes on March 14, comprises the demolition of five single-storey, two-classroom blocks with ablution facilities, the conversion of two existing double-storey, seven-classroom blocks into a dormitory, a central services building and the construction of two new double-storey, six-classroom blocks.

The contract will also see the construction of two 180-bed dormitory blocks, as well as a dining hall, multipurpose hall and an administration facility, which will house two head of department offices, the principal’s office, a record room, a reception area, two sick rooms, a print room, a kitchen, a staffroom and five toilet blocks.

Bulk services, including electrical, mech- anical, water, sewer and stormwater reticulation, are required along with roads, park- ing facilities, fencing and guardhouse facilities.

The CDC, which has a provincial office in KwaZulu-Natal, has been the implementing agent for infrastructure projects on behalf of the KwaZulu-Natal DoE since 2010.

CDC head of marketing and communications Ayanda Vilakazi previously said CDC-KwaZulu-Natal DoE projects had doubled since the previous financial year – from R444-million in 2011/12 to R846-million in 2012/2013.

KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education Neliswa Nkonyeni says the province, which has an education allocation of R37-billion for its 6 241 schools, with 2.8-million learners, has, over the past few years, built 56 new schools, 294 laboratories, 230 computer rooms, 406 mobile classrooms, 372 administration blocks and 480 kitchens or nutrition blocks.

Further, about 650 schools have been fenced and 1 980 have beeb rehabilitated or renovated.

“Since 2009, we have invested R13-billion in 3 500 infrastructure projects.”