Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau
The first phase of construction works for Gangarabwe boarding school in the Chiwundura area in the Midlands province is almost 75 percent complete.
The US$2 million high school is being constructed under the Integrated Skills Expansion Outreach Programme and is targeted for completion mid-next year.
Two classroom blocks have been completed and the headmaster’s house is at roof level while work on the ablution facilities has started.
Two boreholes have been drilled and are solar-powered. The second phase involves the construction of dormitories, more classroom blocks, teachers’ houses, laboratories and other such facilities.
Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Cde Owen Ncube and other Government officials toured the school project on Tuesday to assess progress.
Addressing locals and representatives from Mkoba Teachers College who are spearheading the project, Minister Ncube commended the Government for empowering locals to take a lead in developing their areas.
The school is being built by Mkoba Teachers’ College through funding from Government while Masvingo Polytechnic College was contracted to undertake the work.
Minister Ncube said this was a confirmation that institutions of higher learning were taking the lead in implementing development projects in their respective areas.
Upon completion, Minister Ncube said, Gangarabwe High School will have the capacity to enrol about 700 learners.
“I am further excited by the project implementation skills transfer model as we have 19 trainees from local communities involved in this project,” said Minister Ncube.
He implored traditional leaders to encourage youths to participate in such projects so that they benefit from skills training.
“We applaud the Second Republic for introducing the transformative Education 5.0 in schools as we are now producing graduates that can address some of our challenges,” he said.
Minister Ncube said all citizens should put shoulders to the wheel and support Government as it implements projects meant to change their livelihoods.
“I call upon the entire Midlands community to remain resolute in supporting the people-centric and development-oriented leadership of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Mnangagwa. Vision 2030 is realistic and achievable under his stewardship,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Ncube announced that the 2024/2025 agricultural season inputs have been delivered at respective Grain Marketing Board depots.
“I thus, urge our leadership to properly plan for input distribution to ensure that no one and no place is left behind as instructed by President Mnangagwa during the Munhumutapa Day celebrations in Masvingo,” he said.
Mkoba Teachers College vice principal, Mr Martin Mukwazhu commended the Government for pushing the heritage-based education 5.0, which he said is bearing fruits.
derick.khumalo