Staff Reporter
Masvingo Urban residents called for construction of more schools to cater for the ballooning population in the city as the preexisting ones seem to be overwhelmed.
Speaking during the recent budget review and consultations, residents said as the city is growing, local schools end up struggling with over-enrollment.
Giving his contribution during the consultative meeting, a ward 5 resident said the preexisting schools continue adding more learning blocks but it will end up not working.
“Some schools continue constructing more blocks but that may not be a long term solution. What is needed are more schools if possible,” he said.
Another resident also said council should consider establishing more primary schools especially in ward 3 where Francis Aphiri is being overwhelmed by pupils from Runyararo West and Victoria Ranch.
“Children from Runyararo West and Victoria Ranch will soon overwhelm Francis Aphiri Primary School so I think council should consider establishing other primary schools in the ward. There is also need for establishment of a secondary school in the same location because they end up walking to nearby Masvingo Christian, Mucheke and Ndarama High Schools,” the resident said.
In its 2022 half year budget review, council reported that it continued to assist construction works in primary schools through provision of manpower, with plans to complete two additional blocks using devolution funds at the newly established Rujeko Secondary School already at an advanced stage.
“The construction of two blocks completed in the first half of the year will be followed by another construction of two additional two blocks which will be funded using devolution funds and the tender process has already began,” read part of the report.
