Part of a South African school burned down because the area did not have water to fight the fire

Part of the Tiragalo Secondary School in Leeudoringstad burned down as the community has been without water for days, making it difficult to fight the fire.

Karina van Zyl, a councillor in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, where the school is located, said that the community needs answers.

“We are concerned by reports that ongoing water shortages hampered firefighting efforts at Tiragalo Secondary School,” she said.

“What should have been a special occasion for Grade 12 learners was overshadowed by a fire that damaged part of their school.”

She credited firefighters who responded under difficult circumstances. However, the municipality should take responsibility for the disaster.

“Kgakala and surrounding communities have been without water for days, forcing firefighters to travel to distant hydrants to refill their trucks,” she said.

“When a school catches fire, every minute matters. Firefighters should not have to battle failing water infrastructure while fighting flames.”

She said that the incident has exposed broader concerns about the Maquassi Hills’ water infrastructure.

The problems include electrical faults affecting pumps, malfunctioning telemetry systems and delays in technical assistance.

“We will formally request that the Maquassi Hills Municipal Manager and relevant authorities provide an incident report,” she said.

“They must also explain the prolonged water interruptions and confirm the condition of local fire hydrants.”

“We will demand a time-bound infrastructure repair plan and measures to ensure adequate water supply during emergencies.”

“These failures affect more than emergency response. It also threatens local businesses, discourages investment and undermines job creation.”

She said the people of Kgakala deserve infrastructure that works, especially when lives and livelihoods are at stake.

“We will pursue this matter through the relevant municipal and provincial oversight structures until the responsible authorities provide answers and corrective action.”

Tiragalo Secondary School fire photo