Woodlands Primary School in Pietermaritzburg, which had been without a permanent structure for decades, is finally nearing completion of its new facility after years of delays caused by protests, construction mafia activities, and payment disputes.The R43.

09 million project, now under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, aims to provide a modern learning environment for students.The new contractor has taken over, with the project set to commence on July 27, 2026, and conclude by November 2027.MEC Martin Meyer highlighted that previous delays were due to payment issues, where contractors left the site unpaid, leading to further disruptions.The department has implemented new systems to ensure timely payments, with all contractors now paid within 30 days.

Meyer emphasized that this project is a flagship for demonstrating improved governance and accountability, alongside other restarted projects like Nkonjeni Hospital and St Francis Hospital.The community's engagement and proactive risk assessments have also played a key role in resolving past issues.