The Bulawayo City Council has denied allegations that learners at Dumezweni Primary School in Pumula South are still paying a special levy linked to an Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom block that has reportedly remained unused for years.
In a statement, the council’s Corporate Communications Manager, Nesisa Mpofu, said the school was granted permission in 2021 by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to collect a special levy to fund the construction of a septic tank for the ECD block.
She said the approved levy required parents to contribute ZWL 1,000 per learner.
According to Ms Mpofu, the project was completed in 2022 and inspections were conducted at every stage.
“Our investigations revealed that no learner is still paying the special levy as alleged. Documents show that the special levy ceased on 3 January 2023,” she said.
She urged parents with concerns to engage the school administration and the School Development Committee (SDC) for clarification.
“Dissatisfied parents are requested to engage the school and the School Development Committee for immediate attention and response,” she added.
Parents raise concerns
The council’s response follows complaints from parents who say the ECD classroom block has remained unusable due to a sewer installation problem.
Some parents allege that the septic tank was installed in the wrong location during construction, leaving the facility waterlogged and unsuitable for use.
They say the problem has persisted for several years, despite contributions made towards the project.
According to parents, the issue dates back to the initial construction phase, when families were asked to contribute towards sewer pipes and installation costs.
Some of the pupils whose parents contributed have since completed their schooling at Dumezweni Primary, yet the classroom block remains unused.