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Richard Muponde, Gwanda Correspondent
THE Government’s feeding programme for pupils in rural schools faces collapse in Gwanda District due to water shortages as boreholes have dried up in many schools forcing some schools to suspend the programme.
Feeding of pupils started six months ago as the El Nino induced drought left many pupils in Gwanda on the verge of starvation with some fainting at school.
However, the programme seem to be facing a natural death due to non-availability of water as boreholes and other water sources which supply water to many rural schools have dried up.
Pupils are now being asked to bring their own water to school for use, amid fears that if the situation deteriorates, schools would be forced to close.
Matabeleland South provincial education director Mrs Tumelang Thabela could not be reached for comment.
However, a councillor for one of the most affected areas, Simbumbumbu in Ward Seven, Clr Nkululeko Malumeja on
Thursday admitted that the schools feeding programme faces collapse as water has become scarce.
“The situation is dire in this ward. So far 21 boreholes have dried up in this area. Schools are the most affected as the feeding programme is facing collapse due to the persistent shortage of water,” said Clr Malumeja.
He also appealed to the Government to extend the feeding programme to all grades.
“We are appealing that all primary school pupils be fed unlike the current situation where only ECDs and Grades One to Five are being fed. All pupils are starving so there’s need to extend the programme to all grades,” said Clr Malumeja.
At least 20 Gwanda rural schools have their boreholes and water bodies dried up leaving teachers and pupils relying on unsafe water sources with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education contemplating closing some if a solution is not found soon.
Some of the affected schools are Switsha, Garanyemba, Sibula, Connemara, Sibona, Sizeze, Mawanke, Zhokwe, Shake, Lushongwe, Mapane, Sibula, Nyandeni, Sengezane, Nsimbi, Dwala, Nkazhe and Bethel.
Twitter: @richardmuponde
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