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Ray Bande in CHIMANIMANI
AFTER playing a leading role in Cyclone Idai disaster response, the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), which is now actively involved in the recovery efforts, completed the construction of classroom blocks at Charlsewood Primary in Chimanimani.
Together with FBC Bank, the ZNA handed over the two classroom blocks.
The gesture, which is part of the nation’s broader Cyclone Idai recovery project, is set to ease challenges relating to learning space at Charleswood Primary where buildings were destroyed during the 2019 tropical storm.
ZNA personnel played a pivotal role in Cyclone Idai response by rescuing marooned people and construction of roads that had been destroyed by the cyclone.
In an interview on the sidelines of the handover ceremony held at the school yesterday, 3 Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General George Chitsva, who was representing Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said: “This is one of many projects we are undertaking as an army to help in the development trajectory of the new dispensation.
“In times of peace, as an army, we have a role to help communities in development initiatives. This is one of our mandates enshrined in the constitution that we should be assisting communities in development initiatives.”
FBC Bank Mutare branch manager Mr Olisi Juzeyi said: “We are excited as a bank to be able to reach out to communities in our Community Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. We have similar projects that are meant to assist in community development.
“We prioritised this project simply because of the dire need we all witnessed when Cyclone Idai struck.”
The event at Charlsewood Primary is yet another milestone bearing testimony of the fish and water relationship between the military and communities.
Chief Raymond Saurombe, who spoke on behalf of traditional leaders in Chimanimani, said: “We are greatly humbled by the efforts of the military is easing our burden as people of Chimanimani.
“We will never forget that they (army) were the first to come to our rescue when Cyclone Idai struck. Once again, here they are actively involved in the recovery efforts.
“We are also grateful to FBC Bank for finding it worthwhile to help easing our challenges. We are indeed grateful.”
The army provided manpower in the construction of the two classroom blocks while FBC provided the building material.
Online Reporter