Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) yesterday handed over a newly constructed boys’ hostel to St Michael’s High School in Mhondoro-Ngezi district, demonstrating the military’s commitment to community development.
The block was constructed by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) through the Inkomo Mechanised Brigade.
The state-of-the-art block was built through a tripartite partnership involving the Catholic Church, the School Development Committee (SDC), and the ZNA.
With the construction of the block, accommodation challenges at the Roman Catholic-run school are set to be addressed.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, ZNA Commander, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu, commended the collaboration, describing it as a model of successful community engagement.
“It is an honour for me to officiate at this handover ceremony on behalf of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces. This hostel was constructed through collaboration between the school authorities, the Catholic Church and the ZNA.
“We provided skilled artisans while the community partners sourced all the required building materials,” said Lt Gen Matatu.
The handover forms part of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ (ZDF) annual community assistance programme conducted during the week preceding Defence Forces Day.
The initiative sees the military partner with local communities across provinces to construct schools, clinics, and other critical infrastructure. Lt Gen Matatu, who highlighted the scale of the ZDF’s efforts this year, said several projects had already been completed across the country.
These include classroom blocks in Dzivarasekwa, Mabvuku, and Warren Park (Harare), Gweru and Kwekwe (Midlands), and a veterinary office in Matabeleland North.
In Mashonaland East, the ZNA has completed a girls’ dormitory, while groundwork has been laid for a new clinic in Matabeleland South, which will also host a cataract screening clinic in Maphisa.
The Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo Air Force Base last week conducted a free medical outreach programme in Sanyati.
“We have completed many projects, including administration and classroom blocks at Winchens Secondary in Banket, classroom blocks at Lady of Perpetual Help School in Chinhoyi, infrastructure at St Mannocks Primary and Secondary in Stapleford, a clinic and staff house in Chegutu, and a classroom block at Nyabira. Just last year, I had the honour to hand over a classroom block at Twin Tops School in this district,” Lt Gen Matatu added.
