Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, [email protected]
THE Government has assured people in Matabeleland South that all legacy projects linked to the Independence Day celebrations held in Maphisa, Matobo district, will be completed despite some delays.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, said the projects have already started changing lives in the province and will continue to benefit communities long after the celebrations.
Speaking during a recent progress review, the Minister said Government is committed to finishing every project that was started as part of the Independence programme.
“These projects were started to leave a lasting mark in our province. Government will see through every project we initiated. No community will be left behind,” the Minister said.
A major part of the work has focused on improving schools, especially in rural areas that have long lacked proper facilities.
The Government is constructing 40 science laboratories across all seven districts of the province. The project is being carried out by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) to improve the teaching of science and technology.
So far, progress has been steady across different districts. Nine laboratories have already been roofed, 14 are at roofing stage, and 17 have reached gable level.
“Many schools have also started plastering, flooring and veranda work. In Bulilima district, all four schools – Nlongwe, Mazwaligwe, Tjemahale and Gwambe – have completed roofing, plastering and flooring while Nlongwe and Mazwaligwe have also finished septic tanks. Only painting, glazing, electrical work and air vents remain.
“In Insiza, Ndola, Mkwabeni and Sibhata have completed roofing with work at Filabusi High now 60% done with roofing, while Avoca is at gable level. Under Umzingwane district all seven science
laboratories are past window level and at Mbalabala and Mawabeni we have started roofing. In
Beitbridge, Siyoka Secondary has finished roofing while Malala and Chamnanga Secondary Schools are at roofing stage. Mangwe’s Bango has completed roofing, plastering and flooring,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
In Gwanda district, contractors are currently focusing on roofing at several schools, while in Matobo, structures have reached gable level, plastering and flooring stages, although roofing materials are still needed.
The Minister said the new laboratories will help rural learners get practical science lessons instead of relying only on theory.
“This will change the future of our children. They will compete with learners from any part of Zimbabwe,” he said.
At Mahetshe Primary School, most of the work is nearing completion. Workers are finishing three classroom blocks, an administration block, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) block, a computer lab, two ablution blocks and three staff houses.
The computer lab has already been commissioned, while work still to be done includes ceiling installation, electrical wiring, tiling and outside finishing.
At Mahetshe Secondary School, construction is also at an advanced stage. Workers are completing classroom blocks, a science laboratory, a woodwork workshop, a computer lab, and ablution blocks and staff houses.
The Minister said once complete, the two schools will be among the best in rural Matabeleland South. He also noted that Minda High School is undergoing rehabilitation to improve learning conditions for pupils.
Beyond schools, the Government has also worked on improving roads and other infrastructure in the province.
“Under the roads division, the 18.5km Fumugwe–Mkuwa road is nearing completion and will be handed over this month.
“Out of 38 culverts planned, 36 are done and bush clearing, road formation and graveling are 100% complete.
“The 6km Chief Bakwayi road has been gravelled and is now trafficable. Minor finishing is delayed by fuel shortages. The Kezi Airstrip has been fully rehabilitated with runway, bush clearing and fencing done. It is now certified for aircraft landing, which will help tourism and emergency services,” said the Minister.
So far, about 1 550 kilometres out of 2 460 kilometres of roads in the province have been maintained this year, which is about 63 percent.
Minister Nguluvhe said better roads are key to development.
“Roads open up our province. They connect people to opportunity,” he said.
Improved roads will make it easier for farmers to transport their crops to markets and for children to travel safely to school.
The Minister admitted that not everything has gone smoothly, with some projects slowing down due to challenges on the ground. These include delays in paying workers, shortages of building materials such as roofing sheets, timber, cement, nails and bricks, as well as a shortage of skilled workers like carpenters. Fuel shortages have also affected road construction work.
However, the Government is working with RIDA and other partners to address these challenges and speed up progress.
“We know there are challenges. But we are fixing them. The commitment is that all these projects will be finished,” he said.
Although the Independence celebrations in Maphisa have already taken place, the Minister said their impact will continue to be felt across the province.
“Maphisa hosted the nation, but the benefits were spread to every district and from Bulilima to Matobo, learners will use new labs, parents will use better roads, and communities will feel the change.”
He urged residents to take care of the new infrastructure and support ongoing work. He also thanked traditional leaders, School Development Committees and local communities for their cooperation.
The Government says its goal is to ensure that the projects leave a lasting improvement in people’s lives, especially in rural areas where services have often been limited.
