Govt to refurbish old schools infrastructure

Mutema-Musikavanhu legislator, Honourable Angeline Gata

GOVERNMENT has outlined plans to rehabilitate ageing infrastructure in public schools across the country including pushing the completion of outstanding projects in new schools.

Among the outstanding school infrastructure projects is Pumula South Secondary in Bulawayo, part of whose buildings are still under construction.

The refurbishment of schools and building of new facilities is part of the Government’s efforts to modernise the learning environment for learners to foster academic excellence and empower the next generation of leaders and citizens in the region.

Speaking in Parliament last week during a question and answer session, Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Cde Angeline Gata, said Government was committed to transforming public school infrastructure and urged all stakeholders to join hands in modernising the learning environment across the country.

She outlined that various construction programmes are underway with support from different development partners such as the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) Fund for International Development and the Organisation for Education Development (Ofed).

Already a number of schools have been built by the Government using devolution funds while some projects have been financed by private sector players including churches and non-governmental organisations.

“However, significant challenges still exist, and more schools are needed or require improvement. We need to refurbish them (schools) to meet modern standards, addressing the existing infrastructure gaps,” said Deputy Minister Gata.

“Additionally, we must reach marginalised communities, but progress has been made. We are making strides. The ministry is also mobilising resources to build new schools and to renovate the existing structures.”

She also said the ministry has managed to identify schools that are in dire need of assistance, particularly in terms of acquiring furniture and textbooks.

“The Schools Improvement Grant (SIG), supported by our educational partners, aims to enhance infrastructure and provide learning materials.

“In fact, we have permitted schools with the capacity to supplement their resources through various levies, including the authorised textbook levy, which can be collected from parents or guardians,” said Cde Gata.

Government’s efforts to reach marginalised communities through the provision of education to all is in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all. — @Lo7246Lovelyn