MP Calls for Urgent Action to Address Dire School Conditions
Thembelihle Mhlanga
Lupane West Member of Parliament Mxolisi Charles Sibanda is sounding the alarm on the dire state of schools in wards 12 (Lubimbi} and 20 (Chibila) of his constituency, calling for immediate government intervention to address the crisis.
In an interview with Community Podium, Sibanda painted a grim picture of the challenges facing these remote communities. “The schools in these wards are truly struggling-they lack even the most basic learning and teaching materials due to the dilapidated infrastructure,” he said. “Something needs to be done expeditiously to resolve this situation.” Sibanda expressed his determination to drive development in the affected areas. “I will work tooth and nail to see real progress and improvement for the people in these communities,” he vowed. “I will strive by whatever means necessary to spur community development.”
The MP’s impassioned pleas were echoed by residents of wards 12 and 20, who described the profound impact of poverty on their children’s education. “We are so isolated and forgotten here,” lamented ward 12 resident Thembi Ncube. “Our children have to walk for hours just to get to school, and even then the classrooms are crumbling. How are they supposed to learn in these conditions?” Ncube attributed the lack of development directly to entrenched poverty. “The poverty is crippling. We don’t have the resources to fix the schools ourselves. We need serious government intervention to give our kids a chance at a decent education.”
Another community member, Nkosana Dube, shared similar sentiments. “Everything comes back to the poverty we face,” he said. “Without basic infrastructure and resources, our schools are struggling to function. This has to change.” Dube called on authorities to prioritize the needs of these remote wards. “We’ve been neglected for far too long. Our children deserve the same opportunities as those in more developed areas. We need urgent action to address this crisis.”
A Village Head in the area who refused to be named, also implored the government to intervene. “These wards have been neglected for far too long,” he said. “Our people are desperate for change, but they can’t do it alone. We need significant investment and support to uplift these communities.” He emphasized the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty. “A good education is the key to a better future for our children. But right now, they are being denied that chance due to the deplorable conditions of our schools. This is unacceptable and must be addressed without delay.”
Sibanda, the Lupane West MP, vowed to continue advocating for his constituents until meaningful progress is made. “I will do whatever it takes to see development in these wards,” he said. “Our children deserve so much better, and I will work tirelessly to make sure they get the support and resources they need to thrive.”
As the dire situation in wards 12 and 20 garners national attention, pressure is mounting on the government to prioritize infrastructure improvements and resource allocation for these remote communities. With the future of countless young Zimbabweans at stake, many are hopeful that decisive action will be taken sooner rather than later.
