Zimpapers Logo

Victor Maphosa recently in Mudzi

The Government through the Mudzi Rural District Council (MRDC) is building a new secondary school in Kapotesa area, ward 11 in Mudzi, a development which is aimed at reducing the distance walked by pupils to the next high school.

Construction of Goronga Secondary School is being funded by devolution funds, after the community, who had brought the idea, was struggling to set the plan in motion due to financial constraints.

Council then decided to channel devolution funds towards completion of one block of two classrooms.

Already, the block is roofed and plastered and this week, floors are being put as well as window panes, as works to complete the building progresses.

This will be followed by ablution facilities and drilling of a borehole, to ensure children access portable water at the school.

President Mnangagwa is on record, emphasising that critical services should be brought closer to the people, and that when developing the nation, no one and no place should be left behind.

Recently, The Herald visited the site, with Mudzi RDC officials where they assessed construction progress of the school.

Ward 11 councillor Pedzai Katsande said they want to ensure that this year, the secondary school would be opened.

“Our children are working for almost 10km to Muzezuru and this is not good for them. There are some rivers in between which when flooded, they will not attend their lessons. So there is a need to built a secondary school in Kapotesa to lessen this burden for our children.

“Parents around here came together and assisted with bricks, sand, and water for the construction of this block. Council brought in devolution funds and technical expertise. There are also constituency development funds which were used on this block.

“So devolution funds are now being used to complete this block and we are looking forward to commission this school this year, that is our target and we will meet it.”

Councillor Katsande said children are not supposed to walk for a long distance to school as that exposes them to various challenges which can affect their performances academically.

Ms Shupikai Chaparapata, a parent from Kapotesa applauded Government for the funds which were channelled towards construction of a school in their community.

“I am thankful to our Government for building a secondary school here. This will help our children in a big way. From this area to the next school, there are a lot of rivers which when flooded, they will not be able to attend school, and this is not good.

“Again, the next schools are far, our children depart from home around 6am and they come back around 7pm. They will be tired even before starting school. Again, there are thick bushes along the way and some, especially the girl child, end up being abused on their way to or from school. This distance has resulted in a lot of drop outs. Now that a secondary school is now being established in this area, our children will be relieved, even us parents will have peace of mind knowing that our children are safe.”

Another parent Mr Nicholas Magugudu from Mafuta Village in the same ward said because of the new school, walking for long distances for their children will soon be history.

“The distance they walk to the next school is too long for our children to concentrate with their studies. Imagine walking for 20 km everyday, these children will end up sleeping in class because they will be tired.

“We have a girl child who is supposed to walk for that long, they end up being lured by older men and indulge in activities which may cause them to stop going to school. Some are dropping out of school because they can not endure walking for that long. Imagine walking for 10km on a rainy day, it is a huge challenge but we are happy a school is being built closer.

“I want to thank our Government and Mudzi Rural District Council for using devolution funds to build a school here. This is commendable.”