Zimpapers Logo

Minister Lazarus Dokora

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education yesterday closed the submission of tenders for the construction of more than 2,000 schools after an overwhelming response from interested companies.

Last month the ministry invited tenders from interested companies to assist in the construction of the schools.

Minister Lazarus Dokora told The Chronicle that he was happy with the response from the corporate world.

“We’ve closed invitations for expression of interests in the schools infrastructure development project. The response to the invitations was overwhelming and I’m satisfied and certain that we’ll deliver the expected results.

“We’re now going into the evaluation process before we shortlist the companies that we think we can work with. After that we’ll take the company names to Cabinet,” said Minister Dokora.

The minister could not be drawn to reveal the amount of money required to build the schools.

It is, however, estimated that the school infrastructure project will cost millions of dollars.

Minister Dokora said two models will be used to construct the schools.

“The partnership will comprise two models. The first model is the Build Transfer (BT) model, where infrastructure development companies construct schools, hand over the infrastructure to the ministry for use and receive loan repayments as agreed at the time of entering the agreement.

“In the second model, institutions provide funds for the construction of school infrastructure and receive their loan payments as agreed at the time of entering the agreement,” said Min Dokora.

The country has a deficit of 2,056 schools. It needs 1,252 primary schools and 804 secondary schools.

The government has over the years been facing challenges in building new infrastructure owing to limited resources.

Minister Dokora has in the past said the government alone cannot bridge the gap in schools infrastructure development.

He has repeatedly implored all economic players, including the private sector to complement government efforts to provide schools especially in new settlements.