Staff Reporter
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube has presided over the groundbreaking of several new infrastructure projects at Kwekwe Primary School and commissioned a newly completed classroom block worth US$77,000.
The projects include the construction of a new administration block, two garages, a tennis court and a piggery unit, which are expected to improve the school’s learning environment and operational capacity.
Speaking during the ceremony, Ncube commended parents and the School Development Committee (SDC) for mobilising resources to undertake the projects.
He said the parents funded the US$77,000 one-by-two classroom block, a US$24,000 garage and a US$49,000 tennis court through school initiatives.
“I applaud Kwekwe Primary School parents and the SDC, led by Chairman Mr. Bamala, for mobilising their own resources towards these developments. It is highly commendable that the school has managed to complete these projects,” he said.
Ncube said the developments were aligned with the government’s objectives under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Sustainable Development Goal 4, which emphasize improved infrastructure and access to quality education.
He added that the projects supported the country’s thrust toward enhancing human capital development as part of efforts to achieve an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
The minister also urged parents to continue paying school fees to enable the maintenance and expansion of school facilities. School authorities say 90% of parents were meeting their obligations, a statistic he described as encouraging.
Ncube further called on learners to stay focused on their education and avoid harmful behaviours, including drug and substance abuse, bullying and early marriages. He acknowledged local police for dismantling more than 60 drug bases in Kwekwe as part of efforts to protect young people.
After touring the school’s ongoing and completed projects, the minister officially commissioned the new classroom block and directed the school leadership to submit any challenges affecting progress for further government support.
