Online Reporter
Bruce Ndlovu Bruce.nd`[email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to completing infrastructure projects initiated in Matabeleland South ahead of the country’s 46th Independence Day celebrations, saying no unfinished project will be abandoned.
VP Mohadi made the assurance yesterday while touring several projects in Maphisa, Matobo District, which hosted the 46th national Independence Day celebrations.
The celebrations brought Matabeleland South’s development needs into sharp national focus, with Government using the occasion to accelerate investment in roads, health, education, sport and skills development.
With the celebrations now over, Government has turned its attention to completing, equipping and putting the infrastructure into full use.
Among the projects inspected by VP Mohadi were the ongoing Bulawayo-Maphisa Road, Mahetshe Primary and Secondary schools, Maphisa Stadium and the School of Nursing at Maphisa District Hospital.
Other projects undertaken as part of the legacy programme include the construction of 41 laboratories across the district, renovation of classroom blocks, eight new classrooms, two Early
Childhood Development blocks and eight teachers’ cottages at Mahetshe Primary School.
At Mahetshe Secondary School, Government constructed a 700-seater hall, A-Level block, computer laboratory, staff toilets, administration block and teachers’ cottages.
Government has also rehabilitated and completed Kezi Hospital and Maphisa District Hospital and constructed the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Vocational Training Centre.
VP Mohadi said the projects were part of a broader Government policy of leaving a lasting developmental footprint in provinces hosting national Independence celebrations.
“You have to remember that we don’t do this for Matabeleland South only. The plan is to do this in every province where we hold our Independence celebrations,” he said.
“I’m here to see how far we have gone in finishing and tidying up the projects that we undertook. Some of the projects are lacking a few things here and there, so we have to look at how we tidy everything up and make them complete.”
At Mahetshe Primary School, final works are being completed, while work is continuing at Maphisa Stadium, where bucket seats are being installed.
The stadium is already being used by a local Division One football team.
At Maphisa District Hospital, the Vice-President also inspected the School of Nursing, which has resumed training after nearly two decades.
The institution recently enrolled its first students since 2006, with only 25 students admitted from more than 3 000 applications received.
VP Mohadi said the overwhelming demand demonstrated the need to expand the institution.
“As it has been rightly pointed out, the nursing school had stopped enrolling students in 2006, but now it’s back on its feet again. Our aim now is to see how and when we can increase the number of classes,” he said.
“When I get to Harare, that will be my first task. I have to find out how we can build even more building blocks so that we enrol even more students.”
On the Bulawayo-Maphisa Road, VP Mohadi said funding challenges had slowed progress but Government had now resolved the impasse.
“We had a few problems with roads in terms of funding, but I think we now have a solution to that problem. We are supposed to surface a stretch of 204km and I think that will be done by the end of the year,” he said.
“We have concluded our processes and plans are now advanced for making sure that the funding is availed.”
The road is regarded as a critical infrastructure project for improving connectivity between Bulawayo and communities in Matabeleland South while supporting the movement of people and goods.
VP Mohadi urged communities to protect the infrastructure once completed, saying Government remained committed to seeing projects through to completion.
“We are the ones that started this job and we are going to finish what we started. Our people should show care for the projects because we are going to finish them in the end,” he said.
“When Government undertakes a project, it will always endeavour to finish it. We will conclude things in a manner that they’re supposed to be done.”
The renewed investment in Maphisa follows the Second Republic’s emphasis on using national events to accelerate development, with infrastructure projects expected to continue benefiting communities long after the Independence celebrations have ended.
Blessing Chizhande