adminSenior Reporter
Chiefs and villagers in Mudzi District have called on Government to help them build schools and bridges as poor infrastructure is affecting their children’s learning during the rainy season.
Some children reportedly walk distances of between five and 15 kilometres to attend school.
There are also reports that some of the children do not attend lessons during the rainy season since most of the rivers have no bridges.
In an interview last week, Mr Jeremiah Zambezi, who is Chief Chimoyo, said schoolchildren in his area only attended school during the first two terms.
“We are facing a number of problems in this area. We have Nyamuzizi River which has no bridge and during the rainy season it is flooded for weeks, making it difficult for schoolchildren to cross.
“They only attend lessons for two terms. We call on Government to assist us by constructing a bridge,” he said.
In 1987, four pupils drowned while attempting to cross the river on their way from school.
Chief Chimoyo said most of the schools were far away and children were forced to walk long distances.
He said there was need for Government to help build more schools in Mudzi District.
Chief Chimoyo handed over a two-roomed house to a villager who was handicapped following a mineshaft accident.
The house was built by Mutoko businessman Mr Richard Musiyiwa, who has so far built five houses for the vulnerable in the area.
Most of the families in Mudzi District live in one hut homesteads while others are homeless.
Chief Chimoyo urged other businesspeople to emulate Mr Musiyiwa.
Councillor Tafirenyika Mburundu of Ward 19 in Mutoko East said a lot of development was needed in the area.
“A lot needs to be done in this area. We have school shortages and there are a lot of vulnerable people who cannot fend for themselves and need assistance. As you can see the area is very dry,” he said.
Mr Ingidzai Kapondoro of Kapondoro Village said over 300 people in the area needed assistance, while school shortages were affecting their children.
He said it was his hope that Government and stakeholders would address the situation.
Online Reporter