By Zivanai Dhewa
Government has released ZW$150 million to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for the drilling of boreholes to strengthen protective and preventive measures in boarding school environments, the Harare Post can report.
Speaking during the 42nd Post-Cabinet Press Briefing, the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, expressed concern over a rise in Covid-19 cases in the learning institutions.
In an effort to minimise the recurrence of the John Tallach School experience in other boarding schools, Cabinet has ensured that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education with technical support from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, organise logistics for implementing practical measures to strengthen protective and preventative measures in boarding school environments.
“Cabinet reports that ZW$150 million was released to the Ministry of Primary and Secondary education for the drilling of boreholes, in order to guarantee fresh water to schools in need,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
She added that other measures to be implemented at learning institutions include “reviewing the maximum carrying capacity of all boarding hostels, conducting detailed inspection of boarding facilities, and targeted training of hostel matron, boarding masters as well as kitchen staff.
Cabinet further noted that “the lockdown and curfew measures previously announced are still subsisting. It should be noted that the public bars, night clubs, beer halls, casinos, betting shops and theatres are still not permitted to operate.
“The nation is informed that gatherings are still limited to two (2) persons, while authorised events such as weddings and church congregations are limited to fifty (50) and one hundred (100) persons respectively.
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri warned that “the enforcement of lockdown measures will be intensified henceforth.”
Meanwhile, as from November 2020, Zimbabwe recorded a cumulative 120 confirmed Covid 19 cases, 8 229 recoveries and 265 deaths. The national recovery rate is at 90.2%.
