Credit facility for schools infrastructure launche...

Credit facility for schools infrastructure launched

**Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Torerai Moyo**

Zim Now Writer

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, in partnership with Barmlo Construction, yesterday launched a credit facility for school infrastructure development, that seeks to close the gap on school shortages and access to education.

The initiative comes at a time government has been struggling to build facilities, while private players have had financial constraints to develop new infrastructure, with education minister noting that the country faced a problem in that regard.

In his remarks at the launch, Education minister, Torerai Moyo said that schools are encouraged to take advantage of the credit facility, adding that Public-private partnerships are crucial to the development of the nation.

The minister also acknowledged the lack of learning facilities, while encouraging more partnerships with corporates to help alleviate the problem.

“Allow me to officially launch a credit facility for school infrastructure development, the Easy Build School Block Scheme. I am thrilled to invite schools to take advantage of this unique opportunity. This scheme aligns well with the vision of His Excellency, President Dr E.D Mnangagwa.

“The government can not achieve sustainable development on its own. Development is made possible through Public-private partnerships as they play a crucial role in achieving vision 2030 by leveraging the resources, expertise, and innovation of both the public and private sectors to drive sustainable development.

“Education is the cornerstone of progress and it is our responsibility to ensure that every child has access to high-quality education. However, the lack of adequate infrastructure has remained a significant hurdle for many schools, especially those in disadvantaged areas. Recognising this challenge, Barmlo has developed a solution that will enable schools to build their facilities with zero deposit,” said Minister Moyo.

Beneficiary of the initiative, Reverend Nyakudya of Aphla and Omega Private Schools in Zvishavane, gave a testimonial on the importance of the credit facility, noting that it helped him develop schools infrastructure for his own private centres at a time pupils were growing in number.

“Today, I stand here testifying to this initiative, which was launched by the ministry. The issue of facilities was our major concern when we started our private school in Zvishavane. We encountered many challenges with renting houses, and the situation became worse as the number of students increased. More blocks were needed, and this is when the initiative came in. We now have a centre number due to the quality of the new blocks.”

Deputy principal at Roots Academy from Mutoko, Chawonza Shonai expressed joy over the launch noting that his rural based school will take advantage of the credit line, adding that it has come at the right time.

“We are a school operating in the rural area of Mutoko in Makosa Village. We have a passion for educating the community, but the issue of building facilities and school blocks has been a major challenge. I hope this idea will accommodate those of us from rural areas.”