Online Reporter
Daniel Chigunwe
Herald Correspondent
President Mnangagwa’s guiding policy of “leaving no one and no place behind” continues to inspire local leaders as they work towards achieving Vision 2030 of an empowered upper-middle-income society.
This spirit has led to significant developments in previously marginalised areas, showcasing the potential for rural modernisation and industrialisation.
In Mashonaland Central province, the Matepatepa area — a region historically linked to tobacco farming — has seen transformative progress. Thanks to the Second Republic’s commitment to devolution and strategic funding, health, education, and technology facilities are now being established, breaking the narrative of underdevelopment often associated with rural farming settlements.
The recent allocation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) resources has significantly impacted Manga Secondary School in Matepatepa.
The area legislator, Dr Maxmore Njanji (Zanu PF), delivered essential roofing materials for the completion of a classroom block, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges that have hindered the educational experience of over 200 learners.
Community members had initiated the construction of this classroom block to ease infrastructure challenges.
However, due to a lack of funding, progress had stagnated for the past three years, negatively affecting educational growth in the area.
Learners at the school come from various surrounding farming settlements, including Chipa, Audrey, Listock, Ruya Falls, Walton, and Brutton Farm.
During the delivery of materials, Dr Njanji expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his commitment to development.
“Our gratitude today goes to our listening President, who is committed to seeing development coming to every place and benefiting everyone,” he said.
“As your local MP, I am just a messenger of the President whom you elected here with the hope of development; hence today I have brought you these materials.”
Dr Njanji explained that the roofing materials were a product of the CDF, which the Government allocates through Parliament to facilitate significant life-changing projects, including clinics, schools, and boreholes.
“After our deliberations with the CDF committee, your councillor represented you, highlighting the urgent need to complete this block.
“In the spirit of development, we managed to fulfil this today, hoping it will ease some of your challenges regarding education for our children,” said Dr Njanji.
The constituency received US$50 000, which is being allocated to complete several key projects, and the CDF committee has agreed to use the funds on all incomplete projects.
“We identified Mukodzongi Clinic in Ward 5, Rosa Mortuary, and this Manga block. We also received concerns about the footbridge (murato) posing a serious risk to users crossing the Chiraire River to access facilities like clinics and education in the Chinehasha area,” he said.
While the school is making notable progress, more efforts are needed to elevate learning standards in line with the Government’s Heritage-based Education 5.0.
Manga Secondary School head Mr Nelson Muringai emphasised the necessity for technological resources.
“We are happy with this development as it is a milestone in solving our major challenges. However, we still need interventions to have computers so that our learners are not left behind in the curriculum trajectories of technological innovation.
“Furthermore, we experience challenges with teacher accommodation, which has unfavourable living conditions for our staff. We need assistance in that regard.”
Another school in the ward, Manga Primary, has also made significant strides by completing a solar-powered borehole, resolving its long-standing water issues.
This project, initiated by Dr Njanji during the 2023 election campaign period, aims to provide reliable water access.
Zanu PF Manga B district chairman, Cde Grind Pachirera, expressed optimism about the future. “We managed to assist in the completion of the borehole. Funds allowing, we wish to install some drip irrigation facilities so that the school can embark on farming projects to aid in funding for other initiatives,” he stated.
The developments in Matepatepa reflect a broader commitment to uplifting rural communities and ensuring that all citizens benefit from national resources.
Continued support and infrastructure improvements are essential for achieving sustainable educational and economic growth in the region.
The collaborative efforts of local leaders and the Government are paving the way for a brighter future for the community, fulfilling the promise of President Mnangagwa’s vision of an upper-middle economy by 2030.
