Zimbabwe accelerates school construction drive

Published: 20 mins ago

Zimbabwe has constructed more than 600 new schools since 2022, with the Government confident of adding at least 200 more before the end of this year as part of a massive infrastructure programme to expand access to education.

Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Tonderai Moyo announced the progress in the National Assembly on Wednesday, describing the programme as a multi-stakeholder effort that is rapidly closing the education infrastructure gap.

"We carried out a study in 2022 and the findings of the study were that we had a deficit of 3 000. But now, I can happily inform this House that we have constructed more than 600 schools. Since 2022 until now in 2025, we have built more than 600 schools. This year, we are targeting to build not less than 200 schools," Minister Moyo said.

He clarified that the term "construction" goes beyond government projects, including those funded and built by churches, private organisations, individuals and development partners, all under the ministry's supervision.

Among the contributors, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has built seven schools this year, while the Church of Johane Marange is working on more than eight. The Government, with funding from the National Building Society, has already commenced work on 25 schools.

Minister Moyo also highlighted international support, noting a US$20 million pledge from the OPEC Fund for International Development as well as partnerships with governments such as Algeria.

School construction is one of the ministry's key performance indicators, and the minister expressed confidence that the 2025 target would be met.

"I can confidently say that this year, come 31 December, we would have constructed not less than 200 schools," he told Parliament.

The large-scale construction programme is expected to reduce classroom overcrowding, shorten travel distances for learners in rural communities, and improve the overall quality of education delivery across the country.
- The Chronicle

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