Caroline Mutsawu in Hwange
THE Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, recently commissioned a new classroom block at Masuwe Primary School in Hwange District marking a significant milestone in the district’s education infrastructure in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
The project was made possible through a collaborative effort between the Government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) such as More Community Foundation, Woodlands Foundation, Buy-a-Brick Foundation and Jafuta Foundation.
The new infrastructure has enabled the school to introduce Ordinary Level classes, providing access to Form 1 and Form 2 blocks.
The classroom block boasts three fully furnished classrooms, complete with essential amenities, including electricity, doors, windows, chairs, desks, ceilings and whiteboards.
Minister Moyo who was guest of honour credited President Mnangagwa for the development witnessed in Hwange, highlighting that his leadership has been instrumental in yielding progress in the area.
“Today we are here to commission another classroom block with about three to four beautiful classrooms. This infrastructure before us has been made possible through the hard-working spirit and visionary leadership of His Excellence and SADC chair President Mnangagwa who allowed development partners in the country to collaborate with the Government.
“It is crucial that we understand that if His Excellence had not said ‘Zimbabwe is open for business,’ there would be no development,” said Minister Moyo.
The Minister commended Hwange Rural District Council (HRDC) and the District Development Co-ordinator (DDC) for their role in driving Vision 2030 in the Hwange community by facilitating partnerships that have enabled the implementation of development projects that benefit the community.
“In other places, it is quite difficult to work with the community as those in the offices are quick to refuse to such ideas but the Hwange RDC and DDC welcome partners and make it possible to work in Hwange and at the end of the day we see development in the community.
“This is what I have learned from Hwange since last week. Recently, his Excellence President Mnangagwa was in Hwange for the groundbreaking ceremony of the 720MW power plant which is bigger than Units 7 and 8. We look forward to the first phase being commissioned next year, ending electricity problems,” he said.
He further highlighted the power of collaboration between the Government and partners saying it yields tangible results, including the construction of clinics and schools crucial for the community’s growth and well-being.
Recently, Minister Moyo commissioned six new classroom blocks and a clinic at Matetsi and Breakfast Primary Schools an initiative with Jafuta Foundation and Buy-a-Brick Foundation meant to enhance the learning experience for students and improve access to healthcare services in the area.
Meanwhile, Masuwe Primary School joined in the annual Tree Planting Day celebrations, with a total of five fruit trees planted.
District Conservationist, Mr Bulelani Ndlelambi from the Forestry Commission led the initiative, highlighting the unique geological history of Matabeleland North.
According to Mr Ndlelambi, the region was blessed with a natural phenomenon, where sand from the Kalahari Desert was transported through the air and deposited in the basin, creating an aquifer that gave birth to the natural forest that exists in the area today.
“We have a natural forest only present in Matabeleland North and not in other places. There was a natural phenomenon that occurred where sand travelled by air from the Kalahari Desert and was deposited here in the basin where it became an aquifer birthing the forestry we have today. Mutsviri and umgusu are trees only found here in Matabeleland and Midlands hence it is important that we hold this as given by God.
“Last week we gathered in Hwange for the annual tree planting day held on the first Saturday of December and today we are here to continue the ritual,” said Mr Ndlelambi.