LEARNERS in Gwanda Rural schools were left operating in open spaces after their classrooms
were blown away and destroyed by flash floods soon after the opening of schools.
However, the Civil Protection Unit has moved with speed and gathered resources, which enabled
the smooth running of affected schools.
The worst affected schools are Matshiya Primary, Kafusi and Sibona Primary.
The CPU is not only mobilising resources for affected schools, but is also assisting affected
families.
Stakeholders working in collaboration with CPU took the leading role in resource acquisition.
These are namely Gwanda Community Share Ownership Trust (GCOST), UNICEF and World
Vision, who have pledged to repair the damages at Matshiya Primary School. 
GCOST Chief Executive Officer, Costa Nkala, revealed that they contributed US$3 000 towards
the purchasing of material.
“We availed USD $3000 towards buying 70 chairs and 70 desks,” he said.
World Vision, Gwanda branch manager, Tendai Nare, said they requested for the bill of
quantities (BOQ), which they were given and will buy the required material, guided by the BOQ.
“As World Vision, we will assist Matshiya Primary School as a part of our obligation of
ploughing back to the community we operate from.
“It is our community responsibility to assist during such disasters and therefore in this regard, we
will buy all the required building material ranging from roofing sheets to nails,” said Nare,
adding that the total costs would be USD $8 549.49
Meanwhile, five tents have since been erected at the school to provide temporary learning space
for pupils. The three tents were provided by UNICEF, while two came from the CPU.

Gwanda CPU committee chairperson, Thulani Moyo, said they had engaged various stakeholders
to assist in rehabilitating the affected schools. He said the Gwanda Community Share Ownership
Trust, Gwanda Rural District Council and World Vision had pledged to repair the damaged
blocks at Matshiya Primary School.
“We have primary schools and homesteads that were damaged by rains during this rainy season.
In the latest incident, which occurred on Sunday, the roof of a classroom block at Sibona Primary
was damaged by rains. Two homesteads were also affected.
“We have engaged the corporate world and other stakeholders in a bid to mobilise resources to
repair damages and to assist affected families,” he said.
“So far, the most affected school is Matshiya Primary, where eight classrooms were damaged,
leaving learners in the open. The Gwanda RDC, Community Share Ownership Trust and World
Vision have come in to repair the damaged classrooms.
“The process is at procurement stage and the works are expected to start soon. For now, affected
learners are using tents,” he said.