Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke-Senior Reporter
EFFORTS to improve access to quality education for Zimbabweans have been intensified, with significant progress recorded in the construction, registration and upgrading of schools under National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
Speaking at yesterday’s post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had reported major milestones in school infrastructure development countrywide.
This includes the registration of 60 new schools across Zimbabwe and the construction of administration blocks at RioZim High School in Chegutu, Mashonaland West Province, as well as Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe, Midlands Province.
“Construction works to upgrade Kundayi High School in Mazowe, Mashonaland Central Province are complete and await commissioning while works at the following schools are at advanced stages: Jerera Primary School, in Zaka, Masvingo Province, Tsanzaguru Primary School in Makoni and Beaulieu Toronto Primary School in Mutasa, Manicaland Province, Gangarahwe Primary School in Hurungwe, and Kuredza Primary School in Sanyati, Mashonaland West Province,” he said.
Dr Muswere said the Government had also prioritised science education through the construction of laboratories at St Francis Tshitshi in Mangwe, Mtetengwe Primary School in Beitbridge, Ingwalo Secondary School in Imbizo in Bulawayo, Nembudziya Government Secondary School in Gokwe North, Dinhe Primary School in Mwenezi, Ancillae Mariae Reginae (AMR) Convent Secondary School in Lupane and Don Bosco Secondary School in Hwange.
Boarding facilities have also been a focus, with the construction of sustainable and affordable boarding accommodation completed at Collen Bawn Secondary School in Gwanda.
Similar projects nearing completion include Chibuwe High School in Chipinge, Marist Brothers High School in Hwange, Tshabanda High School and Khumbula High School in Tsholotsho.
Responding to questions on the progress of the programme, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo commended President Mnangagwa for leading the massive infrastructure rollout, adding that it was central to achieving Vision 2030.
“There are a number of infrastructural developments happening in Zimbabwe, and we need to commend our President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa for those massive projects.
“We are building schools, refurbishing classrooms and constructing low-cost accommodation, boarding facilities and teachers’ houses — all to ensure we provide quality, equitable and inclusive education.
“Our focus is on marginalised and underprivileged areas, ensuring pupils do not have to walk more than 5km to the nearest school, in line with international conventions,” he said.
Minister Moyo said Government was on course to address the school infrastructure deficit, which stood at 3 000 in 2022, amid indications that over 120 new schools are set for construction in 2025.
“We have already commissioned new schools in all 10 provinces and received ZiG42 billion towards school construction and overhead costs.
“This is in addition to partnerships with individuals and private sector players through public-private partnerships. By 2030, we aim to have closed the school gap and created facilities that support subjects such as science, engineering and other critical fields that drive national development,” Minister Moyo said.
The ongoing investment in schools infrastructure is testament to the Government’s commitment to leave no one and no place behind in modernising the education sector.
