Zimpapers Logo

Mandaza Chikarango Herald Correspondent

Rural schools are now starting to convert to flush toilets, improving hygiene, but the modernisation and transformation is possible since it uses a new system that requires just two litres of water for each flush, and that in turn is viable with the new borehole programme.

The first 101 rural schools are now being equipped.

In an interview after touring a pilot project at Makumimavi Primary School in Mashonaland East, Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Daniel Garwe, yesterday said the initiative to set up the easy flushing system in rural areas was to modernise rural areas, while doing away with pit latrines.

“The transformation of rural settlements will result in the creation of modern, sustainable and affordable human settlements in Zimbabwe, thus affording citizens decent lifestyles in line with the country’s Vision 2030,” he said.

“The development of rural areas will decongest major towns and complement existing human settlements.”

Stressing the Government policy of developing rural areas and ensuring quality planned settlements there, Minister Garwe said rural development included high-quality housing and modern facilities.

“Modernisation and transformation of rural areas is part of the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities’ thrust,” he said. “Zimbabwe has experienced growth of illegal settlements due to urban sprawl, greatly affecting the provision of requisite services in human settlements within urban areas.

“The negative impacts of exploding cities and unplanned settlements created by rural-urban migration calls for key interventions that will make rural areas more attractive to live and work.”

Minister Garwe said as the majority of the people dwell in rural areas there was need to accelerate the construction of other infrastructure in rural areas.

“Vision 2030 speaks of leaving no place and no one behind. About 65 percent of Zimbabwe’s population is domiciled in rural areas,” he said.

“Addressing the needs of the rural population therefore becomes critical. It is in this development trajectory and spirit that our rural district councils are being transformed.

“Plans are underway to construct blocks of flats in rural communities. It is in this light that the Ministry of National Housing and Social Amenities has rolled out the densification programme in rural areas through the construction of blocks of flats, starting with Mutatawa District. Servicing of stands has also started in these rural areas.

“The goal is to develop settlements that provide core infrastructure and give a decent quality of life to citizens, in a clean and sustainable environment.”

Acting Director in strategic policy planning, research and statistics in Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Mr Claud Nyambuya welcomed the Government programming in transforming rural schools.

“We appreciate the gesture by the Government as this is going to transform the rural children hence improving learners’ health standards as it this curbs the spread of water borne diseases,” said Mr Nyambuya.

The headmaster of Makumimavi Primary School, Mr Augustine Mandidewa, welcome the move by the Government in setting out a pilot flushing system at his school.