Story by Tamuka Charakupa
GOVERNMENT has commended the growing collaboration between communities, local authorities and other stakeholders in developing educational infrastructure, following the commissioning of a new classroom block at Ruvimbo Primary School in Chinhoyi.
The commissioning of the one-by-four classroom block this Monday marks another milestone in efforts to improve learning conditions and expand access to quality education in Mashonaland West Province.
The new facility is expected to ease classroom congestion and provide a more conducive learning environment for learners at the school, whose enrolment has continued to increase over the years.
School authorities, parents and community members hailed the development, saying it reflects the importance of investing in educational infrastructure to meet the growing enrolment at the institution.
Ruvimbo Primary School Development Committee Chairperson, Councillor Goddie Muzhandamuri, said the project was a response to mounting pressure on existing infrastructure caused by rising learner numbers.
“Ruvimbo Primary School currently serves an enrollment of over 1 900 learners. For several years, the increasing enrolment has placed immense pressure on our existing infrastructure, resulting in overcrowded classrooms and challenges in providing an ideal learning environment. Recognising this need, the School Development Committee, working closely with the School administration and parents, embarked on this ambitious project to improve learning conditions for our children. We proudly stand before a completed classroom block valued at approximately US$130 000.”
Chinhoyi Municipality Clerk, Mr Biriat Tasarira, said the local authority has prioritised investment in education as part of broader efforts to support the city’s growth and development.
“As Chinhoyi Municipality, we recognise that investment in education is an investment in the future of our city. We have therefore introduced a five-dollar levy for every learner attending council-run schools, with the funds specifically ring-fenced for the construction of new schools and the expansion of existing learning infrastructure. This initiative is enabling us to respond to growing enrolment and reduce pressure on available facilities. The commissioning of this classroom block at Ruvimbo Primary School demonstrates what can be achieved when council, parents, government and other stakeholders work together towards a common goal. We remain committed to creating a conducive learning environment for all learners in Chinhoyi.”
Mashonaland West Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Marian Chombo, commended the collaborative approach to development.
“The commissioning of the classroom block is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when government, local authorities, parents and the community work together towards a shared vision. Education remains a key pillar in our national development agenda, and we commend all stakeholders who contributed to the project. Such partnerships complement government efforts to provide quality learning infrastructure and ensure that no learner is left behind. We encourage other communities to embrace this collaborative approach as we continue to build modern, inclusive and conducive learning environments across Mashonaland West Province,” she said.
Government says continued investment in learning infrastructure remains key to developing the human capital needed to drive national development and ensure the realisation of Vision 2030.
