Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
CONSTRUCTION of a science laboratory at Gwambe Secondary School in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South, is progressing steadily, with the building now at roof level as Government moves to complete legacy projects linked to the country’s 46th Independence celebrations.
The Government is funding the construction of 40 science laboratories across the province under the legacy projects programme, which is aimed at strengthening science education and expanding access to practical learning infrastructure in rural schools.
Other secondary schools in Bulilima District benefitting from the initiative include Mazwaligwe, Longwe and Tjemahale.
Gwambe Secondary School enrolled its first pupils in 2011 but has operated without a science laboratory, a shortcoming that has hindered the effective teaching and learning of science subjects.
Ward Two councillor Ambassador Mabhed Ngulani said the project has generated excitement within the community, citing the long-standing need for proper science facilities at the school.
“We were notified towards the end of 2025 that our school would be one of the beneficiaries of the science laboratories programme. Upon receiving the news, I mobilised the community and once the site was identified, we started work and by Christmas, we had finished the foundation while other schools had not started,” he said.
“Our excitement was because we had longed to have a decent laboratory for years but finances in rural schools are a challenge. We were delayed by the late arrival of building materials, otherwise we should have long finished.”
Ambassador Ngulani said the project has received strong support from the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (Rida) and Bulilima Rural District Council, which are implementing partners.
He said the structure has already been completed and plastered internally, with roofing scheduled to begin following the latest delivery of building materials.
“Our target was to finish the laboratory by April 10, but delays in material delivery have held us back somehow. We hope by April 18 we will be done, subject to delivery of materials,” said Ambassador Ngulani.
“We are also hoping that equipment and all materials that make a science laboratory will be delivered once we have finished the structure. We are so grateful to central Government for identifying our school and all agencies assisting us to complete this legacy project. We are glad that we will start teaching science subjects so that we are part of the Stem revolution.”
Bulilima Rural District Council chief executive officer Mr Billiat Mlauzi commended communities for their commitment and participation in developmental projects.
“Our communities are used to undertaking development projects such as building clinics and schools. So when such a project came, it became easy to secure community buy-in, hence the progress recorded, especially at Gwambe Secondary School,” he said.
Gwambe Secondary School head Mr Nhlanhla Dube said the laboratory is expected to improve pass rates in science subjects while also helping to decongest overcrowded classrooms.
“We are expecting a positive attitude from learners for science subjects. This will improve the pass rate of the science subjects as the learners will now conduct experiments, observe and conclude on their own, they will easily remember during the exams,” he said.
“We are also having challenges with classroom enrolments, which are increasing. We have about 70 learners in one class, so now that we have a laboratory, we have two extra classrooms, so we can now split the classes into at least 35 per class.”
The science laboratory is expected to significantly strengthen science education in the district by enabling practical lessons and improving learner participation in STEM subjects.
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