Chronicle Editor
Sandisiwe Gumbo, Sunday News Reporter
THE construction of the new Globe and Phoenix Primary School in Kwekwe at a cost of US$7,5 million is set to resume after a groundbreaking ceremony was recently held where Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Cde Owen Ncube took a swipe at illegal mining activities in the province that were affecting infrastructure.
He said the groundbreaking ceremony signified the commencement of efforts to rebuild the school that was decommissioned due to the detrimental effects of illegal mining activities.
The impact of these activities had a profound negative effect on the school, leading to its closure. More than 1 300 learners are being accommodated at Russel Primary School as a temporary measure.
“The affected 1 300 learners are sheltered at Russel Primary in 21 tents. The tents are being regularly blown off and flooded by extreme weather conditions, as recently witnessed during the month of October,” he added.
A bill of quantities has been prepared for the construction project which estimated US$7,5 million cost for building a 35-classroom blocks.
The construction of the school is being prioritised as an essential initiative, reflecting its significance in providing educational infrastructure and opportunities for the community.
“The construction of the school is high on our priority. As I lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Globe and Phoenix Primary School, I am aware of the Bill of Quantity for the construction of 35 classroom blocks at the new school site estimated to cost US$7,5 million,” said Minister Ncube.
He added that the new school would be a state-of-the-art facility that meets the standards of an upper-middle-income society striving to provide quality education to the people of Kwekwe and improve the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Globe and Phoenix Primary emerges stronger than before through building a state-of-the-art school which meets the standards of an upper-middle-income society as envisioned by His Excellency President Mnangagwa.
“The focus now is on bringing quality services to the people within 5km range as is being pursued under the devolution and decentralisation programme. As we seek to grow our Provincial GDP, our activities should never again threaten infrastructure and the lives of our people,” the Minister added.
He expressed gratitude to the community and all stakeholders for the unity that enabled the temporary relocation of the entire school, highlighting the collaborative effort that made it possible.
He said the speedy rebuilding of Globe and phoenix Primary School was a testament of the Government’s dedication to the education sector.
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