12 Apr 2018

Zoroga Primary School has re-open following a decision by Ministry of Basic Education to temporarily close it last month as a result of floods in the village.

School head, Ms Jacqueline Chimbise explained that the school re-opened on April 9 after it was closed on March 14 following heavy rains.

She was briefing Central District Council chairperson, Mr Peter Williams and Tutume Sub-district Council chairperson, Mr Ishmael Mokgethi in Zoroga on Wednesday.

She however noted that although they had re-opened the school, the situation had not yet gone to normal as teacher quarters were still submerged in water while toilets used by students were also still not safe for use.

She nonetheless, noted that the council had provided portable toilets to be used by students in the meantime.

Ms Chimbise added that she and one of the teachers had moved to tents set up in the school since the level of the water surrounding their houses was rising.

She explained that although they had been assisted with transport, it was not easy to move their belongings because vehicles could not access the houses, hence they resorted to seeking assistance of donkey carts within the village.

In addition, Ms Chimbise stated that because majority of parents in Zoroga relied on farming for food and with the current situation, many had not managed to produce food for the children.

She said as a result, some students go to school on empty stomachs.

Therefore, she requested Tutume Sub-council to assist with a second meal at the school for affected pupils.

In response, Mr Williams said the council would put measures in place to assist the school and closely monitor the situation so that the situation does not get out of control.

On provision of a second meal for pupils, the chairperson said he was going to liaise with the council secretary to make proper arrangements.

Meanwhile, Kgosi Modiro Thomas of Zoroga appreciated the council leadership’s regular visits.

He highlighted that compared to last year’s disaster, this year over 100 houses had collapsed, saying it was fortunate that the affected families had relatives where they could sought shelter.

He also noted that some had been provided with tents in safer places.

He stated that they had a meeting with Nata Landboard and requested the board to consider relocating people to higher places.

He informed the council leadership that arrangements had been made for those who wanted to be relocated to register their names for further consideration. ENDS