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Marvelous Moyo Gwanda Correspondent
THE Gwanda Community Share Ownership Scheme has begun construction of Advanced Level science laboratories at five schools in the district, an official has said.The trust’s administrator Coster Nkala said: “We’ve started the construction of A’ Level science laboratories in Mzimuni, Ntepe, Selonga, Gungwe and Sibona High Schools. Work in the schools started early last month and the agreement we have with the contractors is that the laboratories should be complete by end of this month.”

He, however, said contractors doing work at Gungwe and Selonga delayed moving to the sites citing logistical problems, adding they might miss the monthend deadline.

“We’re happy with the progress on the ground and I can say we are on track. We’re looking forward to commissioning the projects by end of April.”
He said the Trust budgeted $1,5 million for this year’s developmental projects with each of the five chiefs in the district  getting a share of $300,000 worth of development projects.

Nkala said this year the trust prioritised projects aimed at improving the state of schools in the district such as the provision of proper science laboratories, furniture, setting up of libraries as well as improving water accessibility by drilling boreholes.

He said projects by women and youths would also get funding support from the trust.

Meanwhile, the borehole drilling rig that was purchased by the trust last year to help improve water accessibility in the Gwanda district and Matabeleland South Province as a whole is now operational.

The trust says it will also use the rig to generate income.

“We invite those interested in hiring the rig to come forward and support us in developing our communities. The charges are very affordable,” Nkala said.

Community Share Ownership Schemes were launched by President Robert Mugabe to force mining companies to develop areas where they extract minerals.