Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, [email protected]
A NEWLY constructed primary school in Kwekwe, Chana-B Primary School, has brought much-needed relief to the community, addressing the pressing shortage of educational facilities in the district.
Built by Kwekwe City Council using a combination of devolution funds and municipal resources, the school offers a solution for children who previously had to travel long distances to access education.
The school, which is already operational, boasts two modern classroom blocks with four classes each and an administration block. This development has eased the burden on Chana Primary School, which was overwhelmed with over 2 000 learners.
Speaking soon after touring the school on Tuesday, Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube lauded the initiative as a testament to the Second Republic’s commitment to improving access to education.
He said it aligns with the Government’s vision of modernising education and achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG4), which advocates quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
“This development demonstrates another critical milestone development by the Second Republic under the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President Dr Mnangagwa towards modernising the education system in line with SDG Goal number 1 on access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities,” said Minister Ncube.
Minister Ncube implored the local authority to accelerate the construction of more blocks and other facilities.
“This was driven by the need to decongest the original Chana Primary School. To date, US$165 000 from both devolution and council funds has been invested in the school’s construction with significant progress made.
“I, therefore, encourage the council to fast-track the construction of more classroom blocks and essential ablution facilities,” he said.
Kwekwe Mayor Councillor Albert Zinhanga said the school was constructed to cater to the growing population in nearby suburbs like Mbizo 14, 21, 22, and 23.
“This school is being constructed using devolution funds as well as revenue collection funds and is meant to reduce pressure from Chana Primary School, which has been the only institution servicing this side of town,” he said.
“The establishment of this school means children will no longer have to travel long distances to access education.”
Chana-B Primary School head, Mrs Shumirai Manamike, said the school has already enrolled over 800 pupils, operating on a hot-sitting arrangement due to high demand.
“We have already enrolled more than 800 students who are on a hot sitting arrangement, which shows that there is a huge need for more schools in Kwekwe. We therefore implore responsible authorities to construct more classroom blocks so that our learners can conduct their lessons in a conducive environment,” she said.
Mrs Manamike said soon, other facilities like sports arenas will also be prioritised.
“Currently, we are borrowing sports grounds from nearby Mary Ward Primary, but we are optimistic about developing our own. Despite this, our students are excelling in sports like basketball and handball,” she said.
The school also plans to develop facilities such as sports arenas and income-generating projects, including nutrition gardens, fish farming, and poultry.
Online Reporter