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Lovemore Kadzura
Rusape Correspondent
A HEALTH time bomb is ticking at Arnoldine Mission Primary School in Headlands as the school has been operating without water since the beginning of this term, thereby forcing teachers to travel several kilometres in search of the precious liquid in villages.
To further compound the situation, teachers at the institution are also up in arms with the responsible authority whom they are accusing of charging them US$5 rentals for accommodation.
Arnoldine Mission comprises a farm, clinic, secondary and primary schools.
A transformer that serviced the school was recently stolen, hence the failure by the mission to supply water.
Arnoldine Primary School headmaster, Mr Godfrey Chishakwe refused to comment on the issue and referred questions to the church’s education secretary, Reverend Munyaradzi Timire.
Rev Timire referred this reporter to the church’s director of communications, a Reverend Maforo.
However, efforts to get hold of Rev Maforo were in vain.
Makoni District Schools Inspector, Mr George Chidhakwa said his office will investigate the situation at the school.
“We need to visit the school first and access the situation. We will respond after we have the full details. We are sending a team either on Thursday or Friday and by Monday we will have the full picture,’ he said.
Zimbabwe Rural Teachers’ Union president, Mr Martin Chaburumunda said schools cannot properly function without water as this can cause disease outbreaks.
“Electricity must be restored at the school. The working environment must be safe and comfortable for teachers to be able to deliver their best. There is Covid-19 and if the situation is not urgently addressed there could be an outbreak.
“Teachers should not be charged rentals for institutional accommodation, it is part of their benefits. The church must revisit this policy,” said Mr Chaburumunda.
Online Reporter