Government commended for infrastructure development after Cyclone Idai
Story by Tamuka Charakupa
FIVE classroom blocks have been constructed at a primary school in Chimanimani East after the successful implementation of the project through a government partnership with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
The construction of five classroom blocks at Kushinga Primary School in Chimanimani East comes at a time when learners were attending classes in dilapidated and makeshift structures after the destruction caused by the Cyclone Idai disaster of 2019.
“As learners, we appreciate what the government has done in providing us with a modern and safe learning structure,” said one of the learners.
“Our school has been transformed. Our children were learning in old and makeshift structures so we welcome this development,” said one of the teachers.
The Chimanimani district leadership is appreciative of government efforts in restoring normalcy under the ‘building back better’ programme.
“As the Ministry of Primary and Secondary we welcome this development because it fits perfectly with our mantra of providing quality and access,” said Chimanimani Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education acting DSI, Mr Tendai Chitopo.
Chimanimani East Legislator, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Honourable Jushua Sacco said, “This is a joint effort of government and UNOPS. The classroom blocks were built in accordance to government structures. We are now putting everything in place so that the blocks are officially commissioned. We extend our gratitude to the government for building back better in the restoration of normalcy in the district after the Cyclone Idai disaster.”
UNOPS Deputy Executive Director, Ms Sonja Leijhton-Kone who is on a countrywide tour, pledged more support towards government’s efforts to improve lives in formally marginalised communities.
“I am in Zimbabwe to witness the fruitful partnership between the Zimbabwean government and UNOPS. What I have seen here in Chimanimani is amazing after what befell this place during the Cyclone Idai disaster. As UNOPS we are here for the long run as we seek to continue providing infrastructure, procurement and project management services for a sustainable world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development,” she said.
Government is still implementing Cyclone Idai restoration and recovery works in Chimanimani with a number of success stories in infrastructure development.
