By Tatiana Mhararira
Masvingo City Council’s Runyararo Primary School, located in the Mucheke suburb recently purchased a ZhongTong bus with a carrying capacity of 75 passengers, valued at US$190,000.
The bus was acquired after the school faced significant expenses from hiring buses for school events, along with the necessity of replacing its old vehicle with a modern one.
Speaking to Tellzim News, Runyararo Primary School head Erikanos Tasarira said the costs incurred for transportation during tours and the desire to enhance the school’s financial resources motivated the procurement of the new bus.
“What prompted us to acquire the new bus was the expense the school incurred for transporting learners to sporting activities and educational tours and also the need to ensure reliable and safe transportation for pupils,” said Tasarira.
“Besides reducing expenses, the bus project will also strengthen our financial resource base through hiring, as the school has been solely relying on school development levies,” he said.
Tasarira said the bus will serve multiple purposes and benefit the surrounding community.
“The bus will alleviate transport challenges, educational tour fees will be reduced, making it more affordable for parents to send their children on educational trips.
“The bus will also be available for hire by the local community, including churches and families needing transportation for funerals.Teachers will use the bus for retreats,” said Tasarira.
Runyararo Primary School Development Committee (SDC) Chairperson George Mufaro Mudukuti said the SDC played a crucial role in the bus purchase and the achievement aligned with the school’s strategic goals.
“As the SDC, we played a pivotal role by identifying the need for a new bus due to the aging condition of the one we had. We were responsible for researching suitable suppliers, obtaining quotations, and following a structured tender process.
“The acquisition of the new bus aligns with the school’s strategic goal of enhancing infrastructure and ensuring the safety and well-being of students. It supports improved access to extracurricular activities, field trips, and other inter-school events, reflecting the school’s commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience,” said Mudukuti.
Mudukuti said the purchasing process took several months and funding was secured through a loan.
“The purchasing process spanned several months, with initial discussions beginning early this year. Parents met to approve the project, and the tender process was completed by mid-May. The timeline allowed for thorough planning, vendor evaluation, and stakeholder engagement.
“Funding was secured through a loan facility from local banks, structured over a specified period, and parents approved a bus levy to cover the purchase and financing costs,” said Mudukuti.
The purchase of a modern bus by Runyararo Primary demonstrates that primary schools are making significant strides towards development. Recently, Madyangove Primary in Chivi also purchased its own bus, which is clear evidence of progress in schools.
