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400 learners forced to share two toilets

By Ndumiso Tshuma

Learners in the Emakhandeni Luveve Constituency are grappling with significant challenges, including water shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and prolonged delays in government support, particularly under the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM).

Honourable Discent Bajila, Member of Parliament for the Emakhandeni Luveve Constituency, highlighted these issues during a visit to schools, including Mtshingwe Primary, Percy Ibbotson Primary, Thembiso Primary, and Emakhandeni High School on Wednesday.

At Percy Ibbotson Primary School, which accommodates over 400 students, the lack of adequate water supply is compounded by insufficient sanitation facilities. Only three bathrooms are operational, with one reserved for staff and the remaining two serving the entire student population.

โ€œThe conditions at Percy Ibbotson Hostel are disheartening. Children are learning in a challenging environment that requires immediate attention. We need to engage the Minister of Public Labour and Social Welfare to address these issues as these institutions fall under public service,โ€ said Bajila.

Similarly, at Thembiso Primary School, parents have made efforts to clear school arrears, but the school continues to face a crippling water crisis. The existing borehole is inefficient, forcing the school to rely on water donations from neighbouring schools and residents.

Emakhandeni High School lacks a perimeter wall, leaving both students and school property vulnerable to security threats.

โ€œWe encountered challenges with tender procedures for constructing the schoolโ€™s perimeter wall. The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) must devolve some of its functions to empower schools to manage their resources effectively. It is counterproductive for PRAZ to micromanage procurement while schools handle quotations and payments locally. Local companies must also be prioritized, ensuring compliance with governance protocols,โ€ Bajila stated.

At Mtshingwe Primary School, no BEAM payments have been processed since 2019, creating barriers for students transitioning to high school. Bajila pointed out that this delay hinders access to education, as students need clearance slips to enroll in secondary schools.

โ€œAlthough BEAM students can still receive their results, the lack of government payment creates obstacles when applying to high school. Schools prioritize paying students, leaving BEAM beneficiaries disadvantaged. The government must urgently address this backlog to ensure seamless transitions for these learners,โ€ Bajila said.

Bajila called on the government to address these crises urgently, stressing the long-term implications for learnersโ€™ education and well-being.

โ€œThese schools are struggling to provide basic necessities like water and secure infrastructure. The delays in BEAM payments exacerbate an already dire situation, making it difficult for children to access and progress in their education. Immediate action is required to safeguard the future of these learners,โ€ he added.

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