By Beverly Bizeki
Heavy rains experienced in the past few weeks left a trail of destruction in the country, with 25 Masvingo schools had either classrooms or teachers’ houses destroyed.
Bikita District Schools Inspector (DSI) James Mahofa said there were six schools that were affected in the district namely Chikwira High, Marirangwe High, Chinyamapere, Runhengu, Mudzami and Negovanhu Primary.
Mahofa said although some classroom blocks had their roofs blown away learners still had access and said refurbishments were underway at some of the schools.
“Six schools were severely affected from last week’s rains but only buildings were affected. The schools are already working towards refurbishment. No casualties were recorded as this happened during the night,” said Mahofa.
Some locals however said at one of the schools in the district, the rains destroyed solar panels that were on one block’s roof affecting the school water pumping system as the borehole was solar powered.
Chiredzi DSI Micho Hove said six schools were affected namely Gurungweni, Gwerima, Romwe, Banga primary school then Chiyambiro and Jerezi secondary schools.
Hove said no casualties were recorded but access to two schools was disturbed.
“Access was mostly disturbed at Chiyambiro where two blocks were seriously affected and at Gwerima where all three blocks had their roofs blown off as well as staff quarters,” said Hove.
Chivi, one of the most dry districts in the province was the most affected with 11 schools affected namely Chamatutu, Mavande, Zvifunzi, Madzivire, Berejena, Makamure, Mushai, Gororo primary schools then Berejena, Danhamombe High Schools and Nyahombe secondary.
In Masvingo District only two schools, Victoria and Mapanzure High were affected. For Victoria High one hostel had its roof blown off while at Mapanzure six teachers’ houses had part of their roofs blown as well as one classroom block.
Extreme weather conditions are becoming a major concern for the education sector, which is one of the most affected especially during the rainy season due to poor infrastructure.
Educationist Dr Takavafira Zhou said lack of preparedness was a challenge and bemoaned the lack of urgency by government in addressing cases of natural disasters.
“Our greatest challenge is natural disaster preparedness. Government must have rapid response teams to disaster management. This would minimize the effects of natural disasters and communities must be prepared for natural disasters and its effects through intervention mechanisms.
“This year we witnessed serious winds and heavy rains destroying schools, properties, shops and villages and government has not set foot in such areas. The situation is pathetic and needs urgent government intervention and declaration of such cases as natural disasters in order to elicit government intervention. It is sad that those who are located far away from corridors of power hardly attract government attention at the time of their greatest need,” said Dr Zhou.
