Zambia: Adverse weather in Zambia has destroyed a one by three Classroom Block at Namabunga Primary School, on Nalolo’s west bank. The area was experiencing heavy downpours and winds which caused the building’s roof to be blown off.
The development will hinder the educational progress of the children as the classrooms accommodate over 400 students. The Namabunga Primary School Teacher, Mutumbi Mukela shared her views on the situation.
The teacher disclosed that the unfortunate incident occurred yesterday around 16:00 hours.
Mukela expressed concern over the setback, he revealed that the affected classroom block at the school accommodates approximately 450 pupils.
“This is a setback for us because this was the only permanent block we relied on,” he said.
Mukela further explained that with the roof blown off, learning will be disrupted. The teachers claimed that it will be challenging to accommodate all the learners, ranging from early childhood education to grade nine.
Apart from the affected structure, the school has one remaining dilapidated pole and mud structure which is not ideal for the learning environment. The
“Learning has been greatly affected, especially since we opened late due to the cholera epidemic. Instead of catching up, we will now face further delays, particularly for the examination classes,” he stated.
Nalolo District Education Board Secretary, Likezo Wamunyima also expressed concern over the situation. He acknowledged that the blown-off roof of the classroom block will adversely affect the learners.
The District Education Board Secretary Wamunyima disclosed that recently, strong winds also blew off the roof of a computer room at Muoyo Primary School. The school was situated on the east bank of Nalolo.
“We have now recorded two incidents of roofs being blown off and both have disrupted the learning process,” he said.
Wamunyima added that at Namabunga Primary School, learning has come to a halt as the blown-off classroom block was the only permanent structure available.
“The only temporary building on the premises is an old pole and mud structure, which is not conducive to conducting learning,” he said.
Wamunyima has since appealed to well-wishers and the District Disaster Management to come to the aid of the two schools.