By Yamikani Yapuwa

Thyolo, August 15, Mana: In a bid to alleviate the longstanding issue of inadequate primary school facilities, Thyolo District Council has launched the construction of a new school known as Thyolo Boma Primary School.

Speaking during the launch, Thyolo District Commissioner, Hudson Kuphanga said the one storey infrastructure with a capacity of 240 pupils will expand access to quality education.

“The construction of this primary school will reduce the persistent problem of inadequate primary schools in Thyolo; thereby, increasing access for learners to quality education services,” said Kuphanga.

He noted that the project has several positive impacts including reducing overcrowding in existing schools, shortening the distance learners have to endure to attend school and improving the pupil-classroom ratio.

“Our children from this area cover distances of more than five kilometres on a daily basis to attend classes which is a demotivating factor on its own in their pursuit for education.

“So, the coming of this school will reduce the distance as well as decongest Mpinji, Nachipere, Adolorata and Mbandanga primary schools,” said the DC.

Kuphanga also called for collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of the project.

“We request all stakeholders, including the community, political leaders, contractors and all relevant structures to collaborate effectively for the success of this project,” he added.

Member of Parliament for Thyolo Central, Ben Phiri said he was pleased with the development, calling it ‘a dream come true’ for the community.

“The community is excited and I am excited too. Our children who were walking long distances will be relieved and we hope that the construction work proceeds as planned,” the legislator said.

Director of Education, Youth and Sports for Thyolo, Rabbie Kawalala noted that the project marks a positive step towards addressing the district’s critical shortage of classroom space.

Kawalala disclosed that the district currently serves 211 331 primary school learners, 104 286 boys and 107 045 girls with just 1 813 classrooms, leading to a pupil-classroom ratio of 117:1.

“This means that 51% of the pupils are forced to learn in open spaces. With the current enrolment, the district needs 3 522 classrooms to meet the recommended ratio of 60 pupils per classroom, highlighting a shortfall of 1 709 classrooms,” Kawalala explained.

The K598 million project which is part of World Bank's GESD project, consists of a one-storey school block comprising of four classrooms with a capacity of 60 desks each, two VIP latrines for leaners each with three drop holes, one room on each block, will have disability friendly facilities and two teacher’s houses.

The project is expected to be completed within 150 days.