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Farai Dauramanzi Herald Reporter

Government has approved the construction of 3 000 new schools by 2025 because of the phenomenal increase in learner enrolment which has resulted in the need for the establishment of more educational facilities in the country.

Currently, there are 9 778 schools, with 6 798 primary and 2 980 secondary schools, with a total enrolment of 4 659 993.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said that only 1,9 percent of the 6 798 primary schools were boarding schools, with only 35 of these being Government owned.

“Of the 2 980 secondary schools, only 10,6 percent are boarding schools and only 60 are owned by Government. The boarding secondary schools can only accommodate 24 000 learners, a mere 0,52 percent of the current enrolment.

“The demand for education continues rising, with 37,3 percent of the country’s estimated total population being of school-going age. More schools are needed to accommodate the projected increase to 5 657 412 for the school-going age group,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

The minister also explained that the Covid-19 pandemic had increased the demand for new schools and additional school infrastructure to decongest existing boarding         schools.

“To cater for the increase in demand for both primary and secondary education and ensure that no child walks more than 5km to school, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education intends to build 3 000 new schools by 2025.

“During implementation of the project, more secondary than primary boarding schools will be constructed in an endeavour to satisfy increased demand. 

“Some existing day schools will be converted into boarding schools, while some low-cost boarding facilities will be constructed at existing schools as the need arises,” explained Minister Mutsvangwa.

The construction project will be implemented in phases next year starting with 100 and 144 model 21st century Government primary and secondary boarding schools spread across all the country’s 10 provinces.

Minister Mutsvangwa revealed that one primary and one secondary boarding school with adequate state of the art facilities will be constructed in each of the 72 districts of the country.

“Adequate furniture and ICT equipment will be procured for each school, while a source of clean potable water will be installed within 500 metres of the school and including a reticulation system and ablution facilities. 

“Each school will be electrified and provided with internet facilities.

“The school will be fenced and civil works in terms of access roads, a car park and landscaping will be undertaken. Each school will have enough land for sport infrastructure, commercial farming and manufacturing,” revealed Minister Mutsvangwa.

Treasury will fund the first 144 schools, while public-private or joint venture arrangements will be crafted to assist in the construction of the three thousand new schools required.