Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE 40 science laboratories, which are under construction in Matabeleland South province as part of legacy projects following the hosting of this year’s Independence Celebrations, are set to be completed by the end of May, with 36 of the new structures at roofing level and four at gable stage.
Over 10 000 secondary school learners from the province are set to benefit from the modern laboratories being constructed by the Government across the seven districts.
The intervention is in fulfilment of President Mnangagwa’s inclusive development philosophy of leaving “no one and no place” behind, which lays a solid foundation for long-term empowerment of communities once regarded as marginalised.
Treasury recently released ZWG $106 million to fast-track the establishment of new modern laboratories, which has also created employment for 1 200 locals across the province, according to official reports.
These would enable learners in rural areas to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) subjects, thereby bridging a historical gap that limited learners from the province from pursuing science-related courses at higher and tertiary levels.
It is hoped that the laboratories project will ensure that learners churned out of local secondary schools can enrol at universities in the region and outside.
For decades, Matabeleland’s rural schools have wrestled with low enrolment in Stem-based university programmes and scholarships.
Some learners have completed their high school studies without setting foot in a science laboratory.
In an interview, Rural Infrastructure Development Authority (Rida) Matabeleland South provincial director, Mr Likhwalethu Ndlovu, said the target is to have all laboratories completed by May 22.
“The works to construct 40 Science laboratories in the province are progressing well. Even though the Independence Celebrations have passed, the works are continuing and we have even fast-tracked our works as we look forward to completing these structures by May 22,” he said.
“We are certain that we will meet this target because as of now, 36 structures are at roofing level and for the other four, we are working on the gables. Our workforce, which comprises artisans and workforce from the community are working in full force to ensure that we meet our targets,” he said.
Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Albert Nguluvhe, said implementation of legacy projects continues in full force post the 46th Independence Day celebrations.
He said the province has started reaping the benefits of legacy projects that have been implemented, which cut across various sectors.
Minister Nguluvhe said the science laboratories will significantly boost the province’s education sector.
He said the intervention is in response to an outcry from stakeholders in the province over the lack of teaching of Stem subjects by most secondary schools in the province.
“A major challenge we have in Matabeleland South is that most of our learners are not doing Stem subjects at the secondary level. As a result, they can’t take up science courses in local universities and they can’t take up sciences in Presidential scholarships,” said the minister.
“We are glad that His Excellency President Mnangagwa has taken heed of our plight because our children are at a disadvantage. With time, we will see an improvement in the performance of our learners, and they will go on to enrol for science courses at the tertiary level.”
In Insiza District, the laboratories are being constructed at Mukwabeni, Ndola, Avoca, Filabusi and Sibhatha. Gwanda District adds its own contribution with four laboratories under construction at Halisupi, Simbumbumbi, Maphane and Lushongwe.
Matobo District’s benefitting schools include Mqabuko, St Anne, Sewule, Kafusi White Water and Lubangwe
In Beitbridge, laboratories are under construction at Nuli, Swereki, Siyoka Chitulipasi, Malala, Malungudzi, Malikuwa, Tshamnangana and Matshiloni.
—@DubeMatutu
