The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE successful implementation of infrastructure construction programmes through partnerships between the Zimbabwe Defence Forces and various communities, is demonstration of the possibility of having sustainable home made solutions to challenges the country is facing, an official has said.
This was said by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Mr Martin Rushwaya while officially handing over two classroom blocks that were constructed by the ZDF in partnership with the School Development Committee at Manunure High School in Kwekwe on Thursday.
The handing over of the classroom blocks was part of the ZDF Community Assistance Week which is carried out before the Heroes and Defence Forces’ Day Commemorations each year to assist communities.
This year’s ZDF Community Assistance Week programme was launched at Himago Secondary School in Bulilima District in Matabeleland South Province where Minister of Defence Dr Sydney Sekeremayi handed over three classroom blocks constructed under the same arrangement.
Mr Rushwaya praised the arrangement between ZDF and the community adding that this was testimony that the army was not only there to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and vital national interests, but also help communities.
“The primary constitutional obligation of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces is to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests. In addition to this, the ZDF have other secondary roles that include supporting the civil powers such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police in the maintenance of law and order and military aid to civil Ministries and departments during times of disasters and emergencies,” he said.
Mr Rushwaya said the continuous assistance by army artisans who usually offer technical expertise for free, was meant to maintain the country’s remarkable educational achievements since the attaining of independence in 1980 that led to the country being rated as one of the highest literate nations in Africa.
“Our continued building of new educational facilities and upgrading of existing ones in order to meet increasing demand as well as the continuous improvement on quality, augurs well with this noble objective.”
Manunure High School headmaster Mr Charles Nzvenge said the school was grateful to the ZDF for the assistance.
The school is regarded as one of the biggest in the country with an enrolment of 2 341 learners and 100 teachers.
Russel Primary School head, Mrs Lucia Kokera also showered praises to the ZDF which built another classroom block at the institution within a space of five years.
Chief of Staff Personnel and Logistics Major-General Martin Chedondo, Chief of Staff Administrative Major- General Douglas Nyikayaramba, Kwekwe Mayor Councillor Matenda Madzoke, Commander 5 Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General George Chitsva and various officials from Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, were among dignitaries who graced the occasion.
