Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
TREASURY has released funding for the completion of Mariga Primary School in Mbire District, paving the way for expanded access to education in previously marginalised communities in line with the government’s inclusive development agenda.
The project, which stalled in 2016, has been revived after the release of funds, a development welcomed by residents who say the school will improve access to education and help address early marriages among children in the area.
“From 2016, we were waiting for this block to be built, but progress was slow, so we are happy that our leaders have come and we have heard Treasury has released funds for this school,” a resident said.
Another resident said: “We were lagging as children who just got to Grade 5 would be married early. That’s why you see in Mariga most girls were married young, so we were just hoping the school would be built fast.”
The school is expected to accommodate at least 350 learners as government intensifies efforts to improve access to education for the Doma community.
“The government has released funds for the project. We have negotiated supply and fix with the contractor. We have so many children who we believe will enrol once the school is complete. Initially enrolment was low, but we now have 350 learners,” Provincial Education Director Mr Themba Mangwiro said.
Special Advisor to the President Responsible for Monitoring and Implementation of Government Programmes, Dr Joram Gumbo, toured the project during an assessment visit on Thursday.
“Mariga Primary School started in 2016, and now the Second Republic is completing it. It serves the Doma community, where some children were marrying early. Completing this school will help address that challenge,” he said.
Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo, said the project demonstrates government’s commitment to inclusive development.
“This project started in 2016. The Second Republic is now completing it, showing that no place and no one will be left behind,” he said.
Government has engaged a private contractor to complete the project, with construction scheduled to begin on August 1 and run until December.
Once completed, Mariga Primary School is expected to open at the beginning of next year, bringing quality education closer to hundreds of learners in the Kanyemba area.
