Chronicle Editor
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
ZIBAGWE Rural District Council has completed the first phase of construction of Gwesela-Bhalimasvesve Primary School in Zhombe which is expected to reduce the distance travelled by ECD learners to access education. This is another milestone for the rural authority which has purchased road repair equipment, constructed classroom blocks and clinics and drilled boreholes across the district courtesy of devolution funds.
The construction of the school was initiated by the community in 2006 before it stalled due to lack of resources. But after the inception of the Second Republic which also gave birth to the devolution initiative, Zibagwe RDC stepped in to supply material while the community undertakes the construction in 2019.
Located in Ward 9, the school has since opened its doors to learners from ECD to Grade 3 who used to travel more than 20 kilometres to the nearest St Faith Manzimnyama Primary School to access education. The school, which now enters the second phase of construction where more classroom blocks, teachers’ houses and an administration block are earmarked for construction, was commissioned by Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Senator Larry Mavima last Wednesday.
Minister Mavima lauded the Zibagwe RDC for showing proper commitment to economic development as pronounced by the Second Republic. “Government will remain committed to the devolution agenda to support councils like Zibagwe RDC. This is what the Second Republic means when they say no one and no place should be left behind. This is indeed a proper commitment to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no place and no one behind,” said Minister Mavima.
He said the council should focus more on disadvantaged communities to enhance clinics, schools, water and sanitation, road rehabilitation amongst others. Minister Mavima said the devolution projects should be determined by the community.
“I urge councils to listen to the community on what projects to undertake in their communities instead of imposing projects that they will not even use,” said Minister Mavima.
He also implored councils to prioritise completion of ongoing projects so as to realise high input. Minister Mavima hailed the unity between the community, Chief Weight Gwesela, Zhombe legislator Hon Edmore Samambwa and Zibagwe RDC for their roles in the construction of the school.
Chief Gwesela donated 20 000 bricks, MP Samambwa another 10 000bricks and fuel, former MP Daniel Ncube 20 bags of cement towards the construction of the school. Zibagwe RDC CEO Mr Farayi Machaya said the school has about 125 learners ranging from ECD to Grade 3 adding Phase two will see the construction of two staff houses and a classroom block. He said the borehole also supplies water to the community as well and the nutrition garden.
“The project was structured to be a community-based project where the community will participate through the provision of locally available resources while the council will provide other material. We are very grateful to the community for their efforts and the project has come in handy in empowering the local community as well as to instill the sense of ownership,” said Mr Machaya.
Zibagwe RDC has received $53million devolution funds since they started being distributed. The authority is also working on other projects including repairing of 16 boreholes, school repairs, construction of Sherwood, Fafi and Langton clinics and Hunters Secondary School.
Online Reporter