Story by Gay Matambo
LIBERATION war veterans have mobilised resources to support the repair of classroom blocks at Uswaushava Primary and Secondary schools following severe wind damage last week.
The storm, which swept through the area, left four classroom blocks and two staff quarters without roofs. No injuries were reported.
“We constructed these classrooms with community support, but the buildings were not permanent as they were built using low-cost materials. The intervention by war veterans is timely, and we are grateful for the assistance,” said Uswaushava Primary School Headmaster, Mr Tusai Somerai.
Similarly, Uswaushava Secondary School Headmaster, Mr Edson Timitiya, emphasised the need for permanent infrastructure. “We welcome the support of local leadership. Our hope is to have durable classroom blocks to prevent such disruptions in the future,” he said.
The reconstruction effort has been supported by sugarcane farmer Godknows Ganyani and a team of war veterans who supplied roofing materials.
“We visited Ward 16 after learning about the damage. Strong winds blew off roofs of classrooms and teachers’ houses. Following reports to President Emmerson Mnangagwa, funds were allocated to repair the schools. The buildings were initially constructed by the community with limited resources, so this intervention ensures learning continues uninterrupted next year,” Ganyani said.
War veteran Cde James Mapfaka highlighted the importance of timely action.
“We are happy that there were no fatalities. We are also happy that all is in place for the reconstruction of the roofs, such that learning will continue. We want to thank the President for what he has done for us. We are also going to see the same development taking place at the Secondary school,” he said.
Local residents expressed appreciation for the rapid response.
“We are grateful for the assistance. We did not expect support so quickly,” a community member said. Another added, “This intervention shows that government and local leadership prioritise education and community welfare.”
The government has set an annual target to construct 120 new schools through a multi-sectoral approach, underlining its commitment to universal access to education and the objectives of Vision 2030.
