Heavy rains disrupt learning at primary school in Neno

Heavy rains have disrupted classes at Chitika Primary School in Neno District as the school’s dilapidated grass-thatched classrooms and the flooding nearby Mkulumadzi River pose risks. Neno has been receiving heavy rainfall for two weeks now, killing three people, destroying homes and making roads muddy. As a precautionary measure, some learners and teachers have not been going to the school for two weeks.

Opened in 2016 with two classroom blocks constructed by Build On Organisation, the school was designed to be a junior primary school accommodating learners up to Standard Two. However, due to long distances to Nthanda and Kamoto primary schools, communities surrounding the school constructed additional grass-thatched classrooms to accommodate learners from Standard Three to Four. Village head Fulaye said the makeshift classroom blocks are in bad shape and they leak during the rainy season.

He said: “Now teachers and learners residing in Sub-Traditional Authority Chikalema have been absent from school as they cannot cross the flooded Mkulumadzi River. “I appeal to authorities, well-wishers and other stakeholders to construct better learning structures.” Neno district director of education, youth and sports Foster Magombo confirmed the situation at Chitika Primary School. He said heavy rains have affected lessons at the school as it now operates with minimal staff and reduced learners.

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“The school has played a crucial role in improving access to primary education in the area since its establishment. However, the absence of a bridge across Mkulumadzi River hinders full participation of learners and teachers during the rainy season,” said Magombo. Neno North legislator Thoko Tembo (Democratic Progressive Party) said he will engage the district council to come up with solutions.

“There are schools facing such challenges. I will try other funding windows, including Constituency Development Fund to ensure that learners are protected,” said the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development

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