US$60k for hailstorm-damaged school

GUMBALO Primary School in Matabeleland

South province, which was recently destroyed by a hailstorm, requires over

US$56 000 for the construction of two new classroom blocks.

Three other local schools also had their roofs blown away by strong winds.

Matabeleland South provincial education director Ms Beatrice Sibusiso Manjere recently led a team of Government officials to the school.

The team — comprising Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, as well as Insiza Rural District Council officials — recommended construction of two new classroom blocks.

Lessons are currently being conducted in teachers’ cottages following the disaster.

“Our team went for the assessment of schools that were affected by the hailstorm in Insiza district and came up with a resolution to build new blocks for Gumbalo Primary School,” she said.

“We have so far sourced quotations and materials for the two classroom blocks worth US$56 318.

“Construction will start soon after gathering all the needed materials.”

The School Development Committee treasurer, Mr Sibonginkosi Mthuzi, said: “I visited the school head, who apprised me that the provincial and district teams from the Ministry of Education, together with the traditional leadership, came for assessment.

“After their assessment, they recommended that the existing structures were no longer suitable to be used by learners as learning facilities, but to construct new classroom blocks.”

He is, however, worried about the time it would take to begin the project.

The primary school is located in Insiza Ward 8, under Chief Sebasa.

It has an enrolment of 30, including early child development and Grade One up to Grade Five learners. — New Ziana