Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education after Treasury released funds targeted and ring-fenced for the Zimbabwe School of Mines, with the allocation amounting to 50 percent of the institution’s annual funding requirement.
Speaking during a visit to the institution, Mines and Mining Development Permanent Secretary Dr Thomas Utete Wushe welcomed the development, saying it addressed concerns that had been raised regarding funding challenges and delays in the disbursement of resources.
“What happened is really good because the problem, one of the problems that was highlighted by Chairman and staff was that we have shortages of funding and slow releases.
“It just so happened that yesterday the ministry received its release from Treasury and within that release there is money targeted and ring-fenced for this school, and I’m happy to say it is actually 50% of the annual funding of this school.”
Dr Wushe said the release demonstrated that Government was on course in meeting its funding obligations to the institution, which plays a critical role in producing skilled manpower for the mining sector.
“So we are on target about the releases for the school, so it’s really encouraging.”
The Permanent Secretary expressed gratitude to Treasury for prioritising the institution through the latest funding allocation.
“And also I want as I said, thank Treasury for releasing the funds.”
The funding is expected to support the school’s operations and development programmes as it continues to train professionals required to drive growth and innovation in Zimbabwe’s mining sector.
