ZDF, community partnership hailed

DIVERSE community projects being undertaken by the Zimbabwe Defence Forces countrywide are a clear demonstration of the mutual cooperation, spirit of oneness and unity of purpose between the ZDF and the community.

This was said by the Commander Zimbabwe National Army, Lieutenant-General Edzai Chimonyo at the official handover of an Early Childhood Development (ECD) block at Kwekwe Primary School on Friday last week.

The classrooms were constructed by the ZDF in partnership with the school.

As part of its community assistance week running from 9 to 11 August, the ZDF handed over different projects to communities countrywide.

The school supplied construction material, while the ZDF, through 5 Infantry Brigade, supplied artisans.

In a speech read on his behalf by chief of staff responsible for operations and training, Brigadier-General David Sigauke, Lt-Gen Chimonyo said the successful completion of the project was a good sign of ZDF’s commitment to ensure the social well-being of the generality of Zimbabweans.

“It is through projects of this nature that the ZDF has managed to create the much needed synergies with the country’s communities and further enhance the symbolic relationship that has existed between the ZDF and the masses,” he said.

Lt-Gen Chimonyo said the ZDF remained committed to contributing in infrastructural development projects.

“The ZDF’s objective remains that of contributing, albeit in a small way, to the creation of a conducive learning environment,” he said.

“In addition, projects of this nature resonate well with the new dispensation’s mantra Zimbabwe is open for business spearheaded by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the ZDF Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa.”

Kwekwe Primary School head Mr Joseph Machingura said the block, built to the tune of $90 000, had four classrooms and ablution facilities.

Construction of the block commenced in September 2017 and was completed in March 2018.

The school has an enrolment of 1 436 pupils from ECD up to Grade 7.

The school, which has both boarding and day school, also has 47 qualified and 23 student teachers.