Story by Tafara Chikumira
The Second Republic’s Devolution programme has become a transformative tool with the Mbizo community of Kwekwe and surrounding areas benefitting from the ongoing construction of a new primary school.
The construction of Chana B primary school meant to decongest Chana A has been described as testament of the Second Republic’s inclusive development agenda as the country gravitates towards the attainment of an upper middle-income society.
The school is being constructed through devolution funds.
“At this school we have enrolled 824 learners, from ECD A to grade seven. When I came here last year, there was only one block, then the second block followed which you are seeing here, with four classrooms then that last one with final touches like tiles being put in place. There is no enough place for all learners, because our catchment area is big. So with the current situation of our classrooms it is not tallying. We are appealing to council to continue developing this school so that we have normal learning practices,” said Chana B Primary School Headmistress, Mrs Shumirai Manamike.
“We were the councilors when parents around here raised their plight about shortage of learning facilities in the community. Hence I am concerned about the development of this school because I also assisted in the establishment of this school. Learners used to walk long distances from here to Mbizo 16, now they are getting access to education at a near point. In the next 5 years we are hoping to expand this school, and make it have its own name, and a center number so that learners will be able to write their examinations here’s as a community we also recommend the establishment of a secondary school nearby. I have been donating computers in all schools around here. For this one, I will do the same when the school has been electrified,” explained benefactor, Cde Vimbainashe Mupereri.
“This school has helped our community a lot, from Chana Primary School, where we came from. Chana A had become so overwhelmed. It no longer had the capacity to service the whole catchment area of Mbizo. This school is now closer to our children and they can now pay attention in class,” said a community member.
Government is equally impressed by the success of the devolution programme in supporting the country’s bid to reduce the schools backlog in line with the SDG goal number 4 on access to quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.
“The New Dispensation introduced 5,0 which availed the critical elements of innovation and industrialization adding to 3,0 elements of teaching, research and community service. With enrollment skyrocketing to unsustainable levels, as a result of rapid expansion of the Mbizo high density area leading to an increased demand, Kwekwe city council complied by identifying a new school site in ward 11 of Mbizo 21. Accordingly, construction of Chana B primary school bears testimony of the New Dispensation’s listening and people centric leadership under His Excellency the President, which swiftly responds to the needs of communities,” said Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube.
The Second Republic ’s devolution programme has seen critical facilities like clinics and schools being constructed with clean water sources having been installed among other infrastructure developments.
