Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
Herald Correspondent
THE Government has pledged to mobilise resources to assist 52 boarders displaced by a recent fire that engulfed Winston Hostel at Churchill Boys High School in Harare.
During a visit to the school yesterday, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Torerayi Moyo confirmed that efforts are underway to support the affected learners and restore normalcy at the school.
“We are going to intervene as Government and mobilise resources for all the 52 students who were affected by this unfortunate incident,” he said.
The Minister said the welfare of students remains a top priority.
The blaze, which occurred on Sunday, left dozens of students without accommodation and essential belongings, although no injuries were reported.
The original old Winston Hostel now gutted by fire incorporated units of Second World War temporary accommodation since building materials were short when Churchill was built, while the newer Spencer Hostel, now housing all boarders, is a modern construction dating from the end of the 1960s.
Minister Moyo said the Government is collaborating with the Ministry of Public Works to expedite the reconstruction process.
“Plans are in motion to deal with such issues decisively. We are waiting for the final figures from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works so that funding can be provided, and the hostel is rebuilt in the shortest possible time.”
He encouraged students to remain focused on their education despite the disruption.
“I urge all learners to stay committed to their studies. We are doing everything possible to ensure that learning continues with minimal interruption,” Minister Moyo said.
School authorities expressed gratitude for the support from both the Government and the community.
An internal assessment of damages is currently ongoing, and temporary accommodation arrangements have been made to house the affected students.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is expected to provide further updates as rebuilding efforts progress.
