By Brighton Chiseva
ZAKA – Despite recent rains, teachers at Mukwirimba Primary School in Zaka North are still struggling to get clean water, prompting them to contemplate a mass transfer as they drink rusty water, a situation that has persisted since TellZim News exposed the situation three months ago.
Teachers who spoke to TellZim News said they were drinking rusty water from the school borehole or, alternatively, using unprotected wells from the community despite promises from the local MP, council, and other stakeholders to address the situation.
Ward five councilor Livison Makwanye confirmed the situation and urged teachers to be a bit patient as plans were underway to address the situation.
“We are aware of the situation, and plans are underway to address their plight. We have a rig that is rotating in the district drilling boreholes and will soon be in our area. When it comes, we will prioritize the school, so I can assure them that soon they will have a solarized borehole,” said Makwanye.
Local MP Ophias Murambiwa echoed the same sentiments, saying the problem would be addressed soon, though he did not give timelines.
Teachers, however, said they were tired of the promises and were opting to transfer to other schools with better conditions.
“If transferring was instant, we would have all transferred because the water situation here is unbearable. The water is rusty, and if it stays in a white bucket overnight, the interior of the container changes to a yellowish color even if empty. So we imagine what is happening in our bowels,” said one teacher.
Another teacher said the situation was not only bad for the teachers but the learners as well, since they spend most of their time at the school.
“The learners are also at risk, especially the innocent infant level pupils. They don’t see any danger from the water, but I guess it has long-term effects. Imagine if the water can change the color of a plastic water bucket, what about kids?” said the teacher.
Several schools, not only in Zaka, are facing water challenges where teachers and learners are forced to drink unsafe water, and in some instances, they travel long distances to get clean water, thereby affecting learning time.
