Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
The Government, in partnership with private stakeholders, constructed 90 new schools and over 380 classroom blocks across the country in 2024.
The initiative aims to reduce the distance learners travel to access education and introduce climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo made the revelation during a visit to Matarutse Primary School in Mhondoro-Mubaira Constituency.
He said construction of schools aligns with the National Development Strategy 1 and President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030, which prioritises accessible and quality education for all.
Minister Moyo highlighted the dire state of many schools, particularly in rural areas, where aging infrastructure has been further damaged by extreme weather conditions.
In Mhondoro-Mubaira, for instance, parents have raised concerns about the safety of their children due to dilapidated classrooms.
To address this, Government plans to construct two new schools in the constituency and introduce a climate-resilient classroom model designed to withstand the effects of climate change.
“We intend to increase the number of schools, especially in communities where learners travel over 5 kilometres to access education,” said Minister Moyo.
He commended President Mnangagwa for prioritising funding for construction of schools and renovations, noting that additional resources from the 2025 Budget will be allocated to refurbish schools in poor condition.
Mhondoro-Mubaira legislator Cde Chamu Chiwanza said there is need for urgency to address infrastructure gaps, adding that inadequate facilities have negatively impacted learners’ performance.
In a show of support for President Mnangagwa’s call for citizen participation in nation-building, Cde Chiwanza donated building materials for the construction of classroom blocks at Matarutse and other schools in his constituency.
Parents welcomed the Government’s intervention, expressing relief at the prospect of safer learning spaces for their children.
“Our children need proper classrooms, especially during the rainy season. The current situation is dire, and we are grateful for the planned construction of new schools,” said one parent.
The Government’s efforts extend beyond Mhondoro-Mubaira, with plans to construct an additional 50 schools in 2025 through donor funding.
This expansion is expected to further reduce classroom congestion and improve access to education in underserved areas.
The construction of 90 schools and hundreds of classroom blocks in 2024 marks a significant step in addressing Zimbabwe’s educational infrastructure challenges.
By prioritising climate-resilient designs and community involvement, the Government is working to create safer, more conducive learning environments for students across the country.
