CHIREDZI, MASVINGO —
At least 15 schools in Mwenezi and Chiredzi districts in Masvingo Province failed to open for the second term this week following the destruction of sanitary facilities and buildings by a heavy hailstorm which recently swept across the region leaving a trail of destruction.
Education officials in Masvingo say the schools should remain closed to avoid an outbreak of diseases.
Most of the affected schools had their toilets completely destroyed leaving pupils to use the bush to relieve themselves, a practice the ministry says is unacceptable.
Masvingo provincial education director Ms. Clara Dube confirmed that the situation is terrible in the affected areas.
She said lack of financial resources to rebuild damaged buildings is hampering efforts to normalize the situation.
Parents in the affected areas are still counting their losses.
In a related development, Rerujeko Primary School in Masvingo city also failed to open for the new term after parents chased away the headmaster.
Headmaster Philip Hlatini is accused of abusing school funds. He refutes the allegations.
Education officials in Masvingo say the schools should remain closed to avoid an outbreak of diseases.
Most of the affected schools had their toilets completely destroyed leaving pupils to use the bush to relieve themselves, a practice the ministry says is unacceptable.
Masvingo provincial education director Ms. Clara Dube confirmed that the situation is terrible in the affected areas.
She said lack of financial resources to rebuild damaged buildings is hampering efforts to normalize the situation.
Parents in the affected areas are still counting their losses.
In a related development, Rerujeko Primary School in Masvingo city also failed to open for the new term after parents chased away the headmaster.
Headmaster Philip Hlatini is accused of abusing school funds. He refutes the allegations.
