WATCH: Devolution funds upgrade resettlement area school in Matobo

MATOBO Rural District Council has heeded the Government’s call for local authorities to take an active role in bringing infrastructural development in resettlement areas through the construction of a new classroom block at Poli Magama Primary School in Ward 23.

The new block has two classrooms built for $83 million using devolution funds. The school now has two classroom blocks, which goes a long way in enhancing quality education through establishing modern infrastructure.

When the school opened sometime in 2010, learners were using an old farmhouse following the successful implementation of the Land Reform Programme. The school has 43 learners in grades one to four and just two teachers.

Officially commissioning the new classroom block yesterday, Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, who was represented by the director responsible for economic affairs and Investment in her office Mr Richmond Ncube, hailed the Matobo RDC leadership for its principled commitment to bringing development in the district, a move that is in sync with the Government’s vision of an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

The minister said it was pleasing that Matobo RDC has embarked on other devolution projects, which include the construction of Umlugulu and Nhlupho Clinics, adding that the developmental projects are critical for the growth and progression of the province.

Dr Ndlovu said this dovetails well with President Mnangagwa’s latest blueprint: “A call to Action, No Compromise to Service Delivery”, which drives important interventions that assist the Government towards the achievement of Vision 2030 targets.

“Local authorities are in a strategic position of executing service delivery, which includes road maintenance, provision of water, health and education. I am reliably informed that following the successful resettlement programme, it was noted that service delivery in the form of education infrastructure was a challenge to the communities hence the need to peg the school so that children could access education services,” she said.

Dr Ndlovu applauded President Mnangagwa for availing devolution funds to local authorities in Zimbabwe since 2019 to spearhead infrastructural growth and development in Matobo and Matabeleland South province in general.

“The Government of Zimbabwe has always encouraged its communities to partake in such community projects, which are highly beneficiary. Allow me to applaud the community of Matobo for partnering with the council during the construction of this classroom block we are commissioning today,” she said.

“Let me hasten to say the project should not start and end here but should extend to the construction of other classroom blocks and teachers’ cottages, which are a necessity in this school.”

Matobo RDC chief executive officer, Mr Elvis Sibanda said the implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the latest blueprint by President Mnangagwa on local authorities, his council has hit the ground running in terms of implementing development projects.

He said the ‘Call to Action’ hinges on performance measurement, establishment of minimum service delivery levels, adhering to financial reporting; development and implementation of master plans; leasing and selling of land in servitudes, leasing and selling of communal and agricultural land by local authorities; valuation of properties.

“The classroom block was funded at a cost of $ 82 779 426.00 covering the main superstructure and furniture. It is our hope that we continue developing this school in partnership with the community and other development actors,” said Mr Sibanda.