Community repairs hailstorm damaged school

FILABUSI villagers in Insiza District have committed themselves to repairing a
school damaged by hailstorm last month.

They are ready to foot a US$10 000 bill to undertake the repairs and ensure their
childrens safety at the school.

Repairs of damaged structures are estimated at about US$7 000 while replacing the
roof that was blown off costs about US$2000.

Gumbalo Primary School was destroyed by a hailstorm that left the classroom block
roofless, thereby exposing pupils to danger.

While the Government through the Civil Protection Unit (CPU) works on modalities to
reconstruct the damaged block, villagers keen to jump bureaucratic bottle necks, are
already on the ground.

The hailstorm, which was characterised by strong winds, left a trail of destruction in
Insiza District, where it blew off the roofs at three schools last week.
There are also fears that some families might have been affected, thereby
necessitating need for humanitarian assistance.

Tshazi and Avoca schools were also affected, suffering extensive damage which
also affected furniture.

Local organiser for the established development committee, Langton Maphosa, from
Ward 8, said they were doing what the community is expected in such situations.
“Having realised the need to rebuild the affected school, we put our heads together
as a community in order to save the situation. We are yet to get feedback from Insiza
Rural District Council on their plans. But as locals we took it upon ourselves,
considering the nature of the need, he said.

“We have so far formed an interim committee and identified a builder working on the
bill of quantities. The cost of a new block is about US$7 000 while refurbishing the
damaged roof is estimated US$2000,” said Maphosa.

The damaged block was made from compacted mud and parents want to improve
the building, which they say has outlived its lifespan.

The Provincial Education Director, Beatrice Sibusiso Manjere, said she is aware of
work in progress and commended parents for the initiative.