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Tendai Gukutikwa
Post Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces constructed a new classroom block and also refurbished classrooms that were destroyed by Cyclone Idai at St Albans Primary School in Buhera.
The Zimbabwe National Army was heavily involved in the construction of the block, while the local community provided resources.
Buhera Rural District Council disbursed funding for the project through its devolution funds received from Government.
The army also helped in the roofing of four classrooms whose roofs were blown off by the March 2019 tropical storm.
The school has an enrolment of 520 learners.
Six classroom blocks and 10 blair toilets were destroyed by the cyclone.
The new classroom block was handed over to the school last week on Thursday.
In a speech read on his behalf by Commander 3 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier General George Chitsva, Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda said the ZNA provided technical expertise to ensure the speedy construction of the two-roomed classroom block and roofing of the other classrooms at the school as learners from the affected classrooms were learning in the open since March 2019.
“The Cyclone Idai disaster affected mostly the eastern parts of the country, leaving a trail of destruction. Buhera District was not spared. The road network was badly damaged and several schools were affected. St Albans Primary School was one of those that were affected badly.
“We were touched by the plight of the school and partnered with the Buhera Rural District Council through the devolution funds disbursed to it by Government, to construct the classrooms. We also worked with the local community and Buhera North legislator, Honourable William Mutomba. We started work in October 2021,” he said.
The St Albans Primary School community assistance project is one of the various projects undertaken by the army over the years.
It reflects the social contract that exists between the ZNA and the general public.
“Other than this structure here today, I am pleased to say that the 3 Infantry Brigade was also heavily involved in the construction of a seven-roomed registry offices block in Buhera Central, a classroom block at Mount Camel Primary School in Headlands, a 10-roomed girls’ dormitory at Nyatsanza Primary School in Mutasa and Mapako Clinic in Nyanga South,” he said.
Brig-Gen Chitsva also said 3 Brigade Infantry Battalion has the obligation to maintain good relations with the Manicaland community.
He said ZNA members in Manicaland have embarked on several projects across the province.
However, the major challenge they are facing is in the implementation of these projects as the communities sometimes fail to mobilise adequate resources to allow for timeous completion of the projects.
Minister of Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Nokhuthula Matsikenyeri recently commended the ZDF for constructing schools and clinics in the province.
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