Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
GOVERNMENT has intensified efforts to ensure the timely completion of outstanding Independence legacy projects in Matabeleland South, amid ongoing monitoring of infrastructure developments launched as part of the province’s hosting of the 46th Independence Day celebrations.
On Thursday, Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Albert Nguluvhe conducted an inspection tour of projects in Beitbridge District.
The monitoring exercise comes as Government moves to fulfil its commitment to complete development projects initiated ahead of the 46th Independence Day celebrations held at Maphisa Growth Point in Matobo District in April.
Among the flagship projects are 40 science laboratories being constructed at secondary schools in Beitbridge, Bulilima, Gwanda, Insiza, Mangwe, Matobo and Umzingwane districts.
Minister Nguluvhe said Government would continue monitoring progress to ensure the projects are completed within set timelines and deliver lasting benefits to communities.
“We conducted an extensive monitoring tour of secondary schools across Beitbridge District, focusing on the implementation of 46th Independence legacy projects, the conduct of O-Level and
A-Level holiday lessons, learner performance, school business units and other challenges affecting schools,” he said.
The minister visited Malungudzi, Tshidixwa and Nuli high schools, as well as Malala Secondary School and several Village Business Units.
At Malungudzi Secondary School, construction of the science laboratory has reached an advanced stage, although the facility is yet to be roofed.
Outstanding works include the installation of roofing trusses and sheets, plumbing and electrical systems, as well as furniture and fittings.
Minister Nguluvhe also interacted with Form Four learners attending holiday lessons in preparation for the 2026 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) examinations.
At Nuli High School, the laboratory project is 98 percent complete, with roofing and flooring already finished. The remaining works include the installation of tubing, doors and windows, as well as final finishing.
Minister Nguluvhe commended the school for its livestock-based fee payment system, which enables the institution to generate revenue through the sale of animals to support development projects.
He donated 100kg of rice to provide meals for learners attending holiday lessons and pledged to assist with the re-roofing of an ablution block damaged by heavy rains in 2025, once the school submits a bill of quantities.
At Tshidixwa Secondary School, the laboratory project remains at an earlier stage, with plastering, roofing, flooring and the installation of trusses still outstanding.
At Malala Secondary School, the outstanding works include roofing sheets, plumbing, electrical tubing and flooring.
The minister also toured the school’s productive garden, where vegetables, green mealies, tomatoes and peas are being grown for sale, providing an additional source of income for the institution.
Minister Nguluvhe said expediting the completion of the projects was critical to ensuring learners fully benefited from the infrastructure investments.
“There is a strong need to accelerate the completion of outstanding works on the 46th Independence legacy projects so that learners can fully benefit from modern science education facilities,” he said.
“The provision of infrastructure must ultimately translate into improved access, better learning outcomes and expanded opportunities for young people.”
The Maphisa Independence celebrations drew thousands of people to Matabeleland South, with Government using the event to accelerate infrastructure development in education, health, roads and other sectors as part of a broader legacy programme linked to the national commemorations.
Minister Nguluvhe said the monitoring exercise would be extended to other districts in the province to assess progress on outstanding projects and address bottlenecks affecting implementation.
He was accompanied during the Beitbridge tour by Beitbridge Rural District Council chairperson Councillor Oscar Chiromo, officials from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education,
Beitbridge District Schools Inspector Mr Mbofhololo Muleya, Zanu PF District Coordinating Committee chairperson Cde Samuel Mulaudzi, councillors and other stakeholders.
