Stalled Headlands projects revived

Solomon Bhumu
Post Reporter
HEADLANDS Constituency is experiencing tangible development as long-stalled education and health projects are near completion, thanks to the injection of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) money, coupled with Government and community involvement.
The projects include the long-delayed first classroom block at Nyamukamani Secondary School in Ward Seven and Mambudzi (Vaalcop) Clinic in Ward Six.
In 2003, the foundation was laid for the Nyamukamani classroom block, but the project remained incomplete for over 20 years.
However, following the injection of CDF funds by local legislator, Honourable Farai Mapfumo, the block has been roofed.
The school, which has an enrolment of 62 learners, had been operating from a dilapidated cooperative hall, with partitions used to separate classes for Forms One to Four.
School head, Mr Cleopas Mukundwi said the delayed construction had created significant challenges for both teachers and learners.
“The lack of proper infrastructure had deterred parents from sending their children to the school, forcing many learners to travel long distances to other schools,” he said, adding that completion of the classroom block is expected to improve the learning environment, increase learners enrolment, and provide the much-needed boost to the local community.
“The building levy from learners was insufficient for construction, and parents were shunning the school due to its poor state, sending their children to faraway schools,” said Mr Mukundwi.
He said the current progress brings hope that the school will finally operate in a proper learning environment starting January 2026.
Former learner and building committee member, Mr Tawanda Mugwagwa felt compelled to help after witnessing the difficult learning conditions.
He said the block had been left unfinished for years.
“Honourable Mapfumo asked about Nyamukamani’s problems, and we took him to this block. He assisted us with cement, windows, timber, doors, locks, and paint, as well as food for builders,” said Mr Mugwagwa, who contributed his building skills to the project.
Ward Seven representative, Councillor Mr Mathew Dakura praised the MP’s efforts.
“We thank the MP for uplifting this school. It is now presentable and looks good,” he said.
Parents welcomed the progress, with Mrs Martha Mukange expressing hope that the new block will provide a safe and closer learning environment for children.
“The rains have been destructive to the old building, and we fear it may harm the children, so we expect the school to start running next term,” she said.
The Manica Post also witnessed progress at Mambudzi Clinic in Ward Six, another long-stalled project.
Honourable Mapfumo said part of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was directed towards completing Mambudzi Clinic, while another part went to Nyamukamani Secondary School.
He first visited the school in 2021, and decided to assist using personal and parliamentary funds.
“I first came to Nyamukamani in 2021, and during my interaction with the community, they showed me this hall where the secondary school operates from. They partitioned their classes in this hall, which was used as a cooperative since before independence. It did not sit well with me to see children learning in such an environment.
“When elected MP, Parliament instructed that no new projects will be financed in a constituency with unfinished ones, to prevent new MPs from initiating new projects while ignoring existing ones. That is why I channelled part of the CDF to Mambudzi Clinic and the other part to Nyamukamani Secondary School. Leftover funds will go towards Yorkshire Secondary School in Ward 32.
“All materials for the clinic are available, and the project is being supported by artisans from the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services. A resident nurse will be staying here, and a doctor from ZPCS will visit regularly,” said Honourable Mapfumo.
Mambudzi Clinic chairperson, Mr Anyway Musariri, said the community worked hard to mould bricks during the early stages but later faced challenges that stalled the project.
“With the MP’s help, we are looking forward to quickly completing the project. We travel 10km to seek medical attention, so our own clinic will help us greatly,” he said.
The clinic will serve over 5 000 people, who previously walked more than 10km to Headlands Growth Point or Rusape for treatment.