Cyclone Freddy forces lesson suspension
The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has instructed pupils in provinces set to be hardest-hit by Tropical Storm Freddy to stay at home on Friday.
The affected provinces are Matabeleland South, Manicaland, Masvingo, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central and Harare provinces.
“Tropical Storm Freddy may bring heavy rains over Eastern Zimbabwe and thereafter spread to other parts of the country from 24 to 25 February.
The above areas have been placed on high alert and as a result of this extreme weather likelihood no pupils within the above named areas are to attend school or face to face instruction on Friday 24 February 2023.
Student borders are to remain in their hostels and continue with their studies via alternative learning modes…Heads of schools in these provinces are advised to exercise caution by notifying day pupils not to attend school on Friday 24 February 2023 or to attempt to cross any flooded readers,” reads the circular signed by Tumisang Thabela, Secretary for Primary and Secondary Education.
Meanwhile, the Department of Civil Protection said stakeholders and traditional leaders must intensify efforts to disseminate information to their communities.
“We urge citizens to take heed of the Meteorological Services Department alerts as they continue monitoring the unfolding situation. Citizens should be on the watch for possible flooding, avoid crossing flooded rivers and streams, stay indoors and avoid artisanal mining on shaky ground during the period…Citizens living in low-lying areas are also encouraged to move to high ground,” said the department.
