Gweru to build seven schools

GWERU City Council is set to build seven new schools in high-density suburbs to address a critical shortage of learning space, with some existing schools already operating double shifts because of overcrowding.

The new council schools will be constructed in Mkoba 3, Mkoba 10, Mkoba 16, Mkoba 18, Mkoba 19, Mkoba 20 and Southview as the local authority moves to expand educational infrastructure and bring schools closer to growing communities.

Gweru City Council director of housing and community services Mr Joseph Zimusi said the expansion had become an urgent priority, particularly in the densely populated Mkoba area.

“The demand for educational spaces in Gweru, particularly in the Mkoba area, has reached critical levels. Our schools are severely overcrowded, with some institutions operating double shifts and still struggling to accommodate all learners,” he said.

“As a local authority, we have a responsibility to ensure that every child has access to a safe and conducive learning environment close to their home. The construction of these seven new schools is a direct response to that need.”

Mr Zimusi said the projects would be funded through the educational levy, which has been ring-fenced for the development and maintenance of educational infrastructure.

“The educational levy is not just another tax; it is a targeted investment in our children’s future. By ring-fencing these funds, we ensure that money collected for education is used exclusively for building and maintaining schools. This guarantees accountability and transparency in the use of public resources.”

Mr Zimusi said the sites were identified following assessments of population density, existing school infrastructure and projected growth in learner numbers, conducted in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

He said council approved the designated areas after considering current demand and future enrolment trends.

“We are confident that these new schools will go a long way towards addressing the current deficit and providing much-needed relief to parents and learners alike,” said Mr Zimusi.

He urged residents to continue paying their educational levies, saying the funds would be managed responsibly and transparently.

“This seven-school programme is expected to strengthen access to education, ease pressure on existing facilities and contribute to the broader development of Gweru by ensuring that growing communities have the infrastructure needed to support future generations,” said Mr Zimusi.

Gweru Residents Trust acting chairperson Mr Obvious Gonamombe welcomed the initiative, saying it would help address long-standing challenges linked to overcrowding and the distances many children travel to school.

“The expansion will help address long-standing challenges associated with overcrowding and the distances children travel to school,” he said.

Mr Gonamombe said the programme was more than an expansion of school infrastructure, describing it as a strategic investment in human capital as Gweru responds to population growth and increasing demand for basic public services.