Harare, (New Ziana) – As part of its efforts to assist communities in infrastructure development projects throughout the country, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) on Wednesday handed over a double-storey eight-classroom block at Warren Park 6 Primary School.
The classroom block was commissioned by Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Commander, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Matatu on behalf of the ZDF Commander, Phillip Valerio Sibanda, a few days before the army’s annual Community Assistance Week, which is traditionally held just before the ZDF Day.
Construction of the classroom block, which will benefit at least 400 pupils, commenced in 2017 but was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, only to be resumed in 2022.
“As I hand over this classroom block, let me remind you that as the ZDF, we carry out some projects to assist communities, and we usually want to hand over these projects to the beneficiaries during the week leading up to the ZDF Day celebrations. We have commissioned and handed over this classroom block earlier to accommodate other activities in the run-up to the day,” Lieutenant General Matatu said.
The ZNA Commander added that the ZDF valued its relationship with communities where it operates from all the time.
He said: “The ZDF members come from the community and at the end of our service, we return to the community. We live within the community and we carry out projects that benefit members of the communities as, and when they are required. When all the requirements are in place, we work on these projects until they are completed.
“This year, we will be handing over all completed projects across the country, and these projects range from classroom blocks such as the one we are handing over today, a hostel, and a clinic.
“In Harare Metropolitan province, the Presidential Guard completed three projects that include the Warren Park 6 Primary School, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) block which was handed over yesterday by the Deputy Minister of Defence at Gillingham Primary School in Dzivaresekwa. The other project will be handed over in the coming days.”
The Warren Park community, through the School Development Committee (SDC) provided all the materials that were used to construct the classroom block – a role that was commended by the army boss.
He also appreciated the input by various Government Ministries and departments towards the construction of the classroom block.
Harare Metropolitan province permanent secretary, Cosmas Chiringa, said the construction and handing over of the learning facility demonstrated the ZDF’s commitment to empower communities.
“The work that was done here is commendable and aligns with the goals spelt out in both the National Development Strategy and Vision 2030. These efforts by the ZDF artisans will create a conducive environment for learners and will also go a long way in transforming the livelihoods of various communities,” he said, and urged schools in the province to modernise their infrastructure.
Established in June 1994, the school’s current enrolment stands at 1 700, and most pupils are mainly drawn from Kuwadzana and Warren Park suburbs, as well as the Cold Comfort Farm area.
Lieutenant General Matatu said apart from handing over completed social amenities, the ZDF medical teams in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, will conduct free outreach medical assistance programmes.
Last year, eight projects were officially handed over to communities during the first week of August as part of the ZDF’s Community Assistance Week.
New Ziana
