Harare Correspondent
Twelve learners at Chirimutsitu Primary in Makoni South cheated death by a whisker after being hit by debris from roofing sheets of their classroom blocks, which were ruptured by a whirlwind that swept through the school on Tuesday.
The incident left 12 learners injured, with only one requiring hospitalization at Rusape General Hospital due to head injuries, while the other three were treated and discharged.
Powerful winds swept across the school and blew away asbestos roofing sheets from classrooms while learning was underway, forcing students to scurry in all directions for cover.
The unfortunate 12 learners were struck by pieces of asbestos, sustaining various degrees of injuries. By Wednesday, one learner remained admitted at Rusape General Hospital after suffering a deep cut on the head. The damage inflicted on the school was estimated to be around “US$4,000.”
Makoni District Schools Inspector (DSI), Mr. George Chidhakwa, confirmed the incident but lacked finer details as he was away on official duty.
“Right now I am not in the district, but I have heard that one of our schools was damaged by strong winds, and some learners were injured,” he stated.
“I will give you finer details on the incident once the team on the ground fully briefs me.”
Councillor Simba Muzariri, the representative for Makoni Rural District Council Ward 18, expressed that the farming community was still in shock following the incident and appealed for help from well-wishers to repair the damaged five classrooms.
“There were strong winds that swept across the area and affected the school on Tuesday afternoon around 12-midday,” he explained.
“The wind blew roofing sheets from two classrooms and scattered them to the next block, damaging three classrooms’ asbestos in the process.”
He added,
“Learners and teachers were still in their classrooms when the incident happened. Twelve learners were injured. They were hit by asbestos debris as they scurried for cover.”
One learner suffered a deep cut on the head and is currently stable at Rusape General Hospital, while the other 11 were treated at Sangano Clinic and discharged.
Councillor Muzariri noted that an assessment by council officials and an independent contractor revealed that the cost of repairing the damage is “US$4,130.” He emphasized,
“We are appealing to well-wishers and development partners to come to the rescue of the school. Council will play its part to repair the damaged classrooms, but we will welcome assistance from various quarters so that the school business quickly returns to normalcy.”
He also mentioned the ongoing panic among learners, stating,
“Learners are still in a panic mode because each time there are some winds in the area, they rush out of the classrooms. This is what led to the injuries on Tuesday.”
Councillor Muzariri stressed the need for training teachers and learners on safety and precaution measures during disasters to minimize injuries and save lives.
Mr. Martin Chaburumunda, chairman of the Zimbabwe Rural Teachers’ Union, called on responsible authorities, including the government, councils, and churches, to improve school infrastructure through regular maintenance and upgrades.
“We are saddened to learn that 12 learners at Chirimutsitu Primary School were injured following violent winds which blew off classroom roofs,” he said.
He added,
“While we appreciate that this was a natural disaster, we are calling on the responsible authorities to periodically check the suitability of classrooms and staff houses to avoid such incidents. Schools must remain safe and secure places for both learners and teachers.”
Mr. Chaburumunda also pointed out that “some school infrastructure is now too old and requires urgent revamping,” urging schools to plant trees around their yards to act as windbreakers to minimize such disasters.
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