Construction of Kwekwe school starts

Midlands Bureau

THE construction of the new Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe is underway, with excavation work on the foundation of 14 classroom blocks nearing completion after the old structure, built in 1925, collapsed due to illegal mining activities.

The school is being built on 4ha donated by Kuvimba Mining Holdings, the company that took over Globe and Phoenix Mine.

Pupils are currently attending lessons at the nearby Sally Mugabe Primary School in tents provided by the Red Cross Society.

With an estimated cost of around US$200 000, the new school will have 35 classrooms and will be located next to the Globe and Phoenix Secondary School, ensuring a seamless transition for students moving through the grades.

The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and its partners have so far mobilised 20 000 bricks which are on site.

Kwekwe District Development Coordinator and CPU chairperson Mr Fortune Mupungu confirmed that work at the new school has started and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works will inspect the progress before the contractors move to the next level.

“Yes, the excavation is almost done and Kwekwe Polytechnic is just putting up some finishing touches. We are just waiting for public works inspectors before we proceed to the next level,” he said.

Mr Mupungu said the school hired a bulldozer while the CPU provided labour. “Public Works did the pegging and drawings. Kwekwe Polytechnic is assisting as a member of the CPU. Kwekwe City Council another CPU member provided water to the site. They also provided river sand,” said Mr Mupungu.

The CPU chairperson said they are in the process of mobilising more bricks.

“So we are really working as a team where everyone should contribute to the success of the project, parents included,” he said.

Globe and Phoenix Primary School SDC secretary Ms Hilda Muchengeti said parents contributed US$20 each towards the construction of the new school.

“We appeal to those who made pledges towards the construction of the school to honour them. We are waiting for them. We approached those who made pledges but nothing is forthcoming. However, the door is still wide open for those who want to make donations,” she said.

Ms Muchengeti said the goal was for the learners to have a conducive learning environment next year.