Phased construction of schools in Idai-hit areas

Daniel Mhonda Manicaland Correspondent
THE Government is planning to construct Cyclone Idai-damaged schools in three phases, with the first involving the setting up of temporary structures at various learning institutions. Provincial education director Mr Edward Shumba said only schools that were provided with ablution and water facilities would open on the official dates announced by the Government.

“The schools that were affected by Cyclone Idai will be reconstructed in three phases with the first phase involving temporary structures,” he said.

“This was meant to allow learners to return to class with the final phase of reconstruction being handled by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing.”

Mr Shumba said temporary housing would be provided for the staff members whose accommodation was destroyed.
“We will also see that the teachers who were affected directly or indirectly by the cyclone will also be catered for so that we create a conducive environment for them as well,” he said

Mr Shumba revealed that they were not in a rush to open schools without conducive learning environments.
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, working with the Civil Protection Department, is working towards the reconstruction of schools which were damaged by disaster that ravaged Manicaland. During his recent visit to Ngangu in Chimanimani, President Mnangagwa said Government had allocated funds towards reconstruction and buying learning materials for schools.