Students oppose use of college as isolation centre

Michael Magoronga Midlands Correspondent
Authorities in Kwekwe were forced to look for alternative isolation centres after foreign students at Kwekwe Polytechnic College petitioned their embassies over the use of the institution as an isolation centre.

Students from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Equatorial Guinea failed to travel to their respective countries following the outbreak of Covid-19 which spawned travel restrictions.

Kwekwe Poly had been identified as an isolation centre for the district for people returning from outside the country.

This did not go down well with the students who felt their lives would be endangered and they approached their respective embassies.

Though Kwekwe Poly was ideal given its proximity and carrying capacity, the taskforce was forced to choose Rio Tinto Zhombe High School, Kwekwe High and Mlezu Agriculture College as isolation centres for the district.

Kwekwe District Covid-19 taskforce co-chair, Mr Vitalis Kwashira confirmed that the institution would no longer be used as an isolation centre as earlier planned.

“We decided not to use Kwekwe Poly as a quarantine centre following complaints and concerns raised by the foreign students who are currently residing at the college hostels. We then received communication from Government and we acted swiftly. They have since approached their respective embassies and we have moved to ensure that the students remain safe,” said Mr Kwashira.

Speaking during the same meeting Kwekwe Poly vice principal, Mr Chamu Gora said besides the students, there were also families who were staying at the institution.

“We have 21 students from DRC and Equatorial Guinea as well as families of the matrons and wardens at the institution.

“The students raised their concerns through their embassies saying they could be potential victims if they were allowed to mix with the returnees. We took note of their concerns and the taskforce has since addressed the matter,” said Mr Gora.

He said the college had since received communication from relevant Government officials and the issue had since been addressed.

According to the taskforce, more than 100 returnees from South Africa and Botswana are expected to be accommodated in Kwekwe.