adminFungai Lupande Mash Central Bureau
Some schools in Muzarabani district are still using pole and dagga structures while others don’t have adequate infrastructure with children learning in the open, Muzarabani Rural District Council chief executive Mrs Ennie Gwachiwa has said.
Mrs Gwachiwa said although the local authority has dedicated its devolution fund towards providing adequate and appropriate learning infrastructure, there was need for more assistance from Government.
“In Kairezi and Chiwenga areas there are schools like Kakonono, Kairezi Central and Muchembere where learners are accommodated in pole and dagga structures,” said Mrs Gwachiwa.
“Some schools close to the border with Mozambique like Chionde Secondary School don’t have adequate infrastructure and children are learning in the open. Secondary schools are few especially in remote areas close to the border.
“Through devolution funding we have identified a number of schools that we are going to assist in building infrastructure such as classroom blocks and teacher accommodation. However, we cannot do this on our own.
“We commend the Government and parents for their efforts, but more needs to be done so that children have adequate and appropriate infrastructure. Another predicament is that Muzarabani does not have a district hospital although a suitable site has been identified and pegged.
“People travel for 100 kilometres to get medical attention at St Albert’s Hospital. Women screened for cervical cancer at St Albert’s Hospital have to travel to Harare for medical attention. We want women to be diagnosed and treated at a nearby hospital.”
Mrs Gwachiwa added that they are using part of the development levy towards the education sector and construction of clinics in the area.
Online Reporter