Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Reporter
THE Government has urged parents, guardians and communities to prioritise the safety of learners in provinces affected by the ongoing heavy rains saying mitigatory measures are being put in place to assist pupils who are not able to attend class due to flooded rivers.
Matabeleland South Province is among the hardest-hit areas in the country, with reports indicating that 41 schools have been affected nationwide. The relentless rains have caused rivers and streams to burst their banks, leaving some learners stranded on one side of water bodies, unable to access schools and essential services.
Since December 2025, the province has experienced substantial rainfall, leading to widespread flooding that has stranded villagers and learners alike. Many educational institutions have seen their infrastructure severely damaged, rendering safe access impossible for pupils.
Director of Communication and Advocacy in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Mr Taungana Ndoro, confirmed that five provinces are grappling with severe weather impacts.
“Regrettably, yes. Preliminary reports from our Provincial and District offices indicate that a significant number of schools have been affected, with access challenges caused by flooded rivers, streams and damaged infrastructure.
“The most impacted areas are in Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Manicaland, Matabeleland South, and parts of Masvingo Province. This situation is constantly evolving and our teams are on the ground conducting further assessments,” he said.
In 2025, similar challenges were faced in Matabeleland North, where 22 schools were affected during the same period, forcing learners to stay home due to impassable roads and flooded school premises.
The ministry has emphasised that safety must come first in these conditions.
“Parents and guardians are urged not to allow children to attempt crossing flooded waterways. Safety overrides all other considerations. Children should remain at home, and schools should be informed of their absence.
“No learner will be penalised for missing school during these dangerous conditions. It is vital that we protect our young learners’ lives,” Mr Ndoro stressed.
He further urged schools and communities to heed warnings from the Civil Protection Unit and local authorities, emphasising the importance of waiting for official clearance that routes are safe for travel.
To mitigate the impact of missed school days, the ministry has activated its Catch-up Strategy, which includes remedial classes, weekend and holiday sessions and the distribution of self-study materials to affected learners.
“In addition, we plan to utilise digital platforms to broadcast lessons online, ensuring students continue learning despite being unable to attend school physically,” Mr Ndoro added.
The ministry has also provided tents to serve as temporary shelters at schools where infrastructure has been damaged, as part of their broader reconstruction plans.
The Civil Protection Unit remains vigilant, warning the public about the dangers of flash floods and advising against crossing flooded rivers and streams. Authorities have also highlighted concerns over urban flooding, noting that blocked storm drains have worsened water accumulation on roads and pavements, impeding movement and transportation.
As the rains continue, the Government and local authorities are calling for collective efforts to ensure safety.
The focus remains on protecting lives while working towards rebuilding and repairing the affected educational infrastructure.
