By Staff Reporter
The new Gozonya Secondary School in Hippo Valley, Chiredzi, is ready to welcome students as schools open tomorrow, January 13, fulfilling a central campaign promise by local MP Ropafadzo Makumire.
Chiredzi Central MP Ropafadzo Makumire confirmed the opening to TellZim News, saying final preparations were underway.
“The school will open as promised. Right now I am going to meet the ministry officials who are visiting the school to put final touches before we open tomorrow,” said Makumire.
He reported that enrollment for Forms 1 to 3 is promising and that minor infrastructure work would be completed as the school runs.
“We are left with a few touches. I am delivering the cement needed to finish off some ablution facilities, and Tongaat Hulett promised to give us assistance as well so I am sure soon everything will be in order,” said Makumire.
The school’s completion delivers on Makumire’s key election pledge to end an arduous daily reality for the community. Before its construction, children from the area faced a 30-kilometer walk to the nearest secondary school, Mleme Secondary School.
Funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the project involved building a new block and roofing an existing structure. The MP had previously stated that the facility, which also includes a solar-powered borehole, would be handed over to the Chiredzi Rural District Council.
While celebrating the educational milestone, a recent public dialogue highlighted other pressing issues. Residents raised serious concerns about healthcare, reporting shortages of free medication and supplies at local public hospitals despite payment of fees.
The opening of Gozonya Secondary School marks a significant step in addressing the constituency’s infrastructure gaps, even as other community needs emerge for attention.
