Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
THE Government has begun rolling out science laboratories at nine secondary schools in Beitbridge marking a major boost for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the district.
The laboratories are being constructed by Beitbridge Rural District Council in partnership with the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA) under the Presidential Science Laboratories Scheme.
The project forms part of 40 science laboratories earmarked for construction across Matabeleland South Province as legacy infrastructure ahead of the 2026 Independence Day celebrations, which the province will host.
Once completed, the facilities are expected to transform science education by providing students with access to practical experiments and modern learning spaces, particularly in rural schools that have for years operated without equipped laboratories.
Beitbridge RDC head of engineering and works, Engineer Latani Singo, said groundwork had already commenced at all the selected schools.
“We have started with civil works, with RIDA as the lead implementing agency. All the initial laboratory sites have been identified and communities have already excavated foundation trenches,” he said.
Eng Singo said construction would move into full scale once building materials are delivered.
The benefiting schools are Siyoka High, Tshitulipasi Secondary, Malungudzi Secondary, Matshiloni Secondary, Malala Secondary, Malikuwa Secondary, Swereki Secondary, Tshamnanga Secondary and Nuli High. RIDA Beitbridge coordinator, Mr Tinashe Ngundu, said procurement processes were at an advanced stage.
“We have already submitted the bill of quantities and requirements to our procurement section. We expect to start receiving building materials soon, after which we will engage builders and skilled labour, most of whom will be drawn from local communities,” he said.
Speaking recently, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Albert Nguluvhe, said the science laboratories would be among key development projects linked to preparations for the 2026 Independence Day celebrations.
“It is a great honour for Matabeleland South to host the Independence Day celebrations. This comes with tangible development that will leave a lasting impact on our communities,” he said.
Mr Nguluvhe said education would be one of the biggest beneficiaries, with about 40 science laboratories set to be constructed across the province.
“This is a major boost for our education system. Learning science and computer skills is critical for developing problem-solving abilities, creativity and innovation among learners, which are essential for national development,” he said.
The minister added that preparations for the celebrations were also focusing on improving road infrastructure and network coverage across the province.
Most schools in Matabeleland South continue to face acute shortages of STEM teachers and basic teaching infrastructure, including science laboratories, limiting learners’ exposure to practical science education.
In 2019, President Mnangagwa directed the Ministries of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development and Primary and Secondary Education to ensure that science subjects are taught in most schools in Beitbridge.
The President has consistently urged learners to embrace science subjects and emerging fields of study as Zimbabwe accelerates efforts to modernise its economy in line with global technological trends.
