FOLLOWING the destruction of Matshiya Primary School by a storm in Matshetsheni, the
Civil Protection Unit (CPU) and Gwanda Rural District Council have started to pool
resources to refurbish the school.
Heavy rainfall a fortnight ago saw strong winds destroying two classroom blocks, leaving
eight classrooms affected, which in turn left learners stranded.
Acting Gwanda Chief Executive Officer, Ranganai Sibanda, confirmed that action was
already in progress to have the school refurbished.
A team has been assigned to assess the needed equipment for the classrooms. We have also
engaged with the Gwanda Share Ownership Trust, World Vision and stakeholders to chip in
and help our students return to a normal learning environment.
“We hope we get good responses soon so that pupils can resume their studies, which have
been affected just as schools have opened,” said Sibanda.
The initiative has been lauded by the Gwanda District Schools Inspector, Lian Dube.
A forward-looking meeting was held last week and assessment for the furniture and
infrastructure needed was done.
“The rehabilitation of Matshiya School will commence in due course, she said.
Gwanda Civil Protection Unit chairperson Thulani Moyo said they are also making strides
from all angles to repair the damage caused by the storm.
We have responded to the Ward 7 disaster, we distributed grocery hampers to eight
households, which were greatly affected. 
As the CPU, we urge people not to continuously cut-off trees which act as wind breakers
and to build strong buildings, Moyo said.
The storm also tragically swept away an elderly person at Mlenje Village, while a science
laboratory at Kafusi Secondary was struck by lightning.