ROADS DAMAGE: NO CLASSES FOR 11 SCHOOLS

MANZINI - Due to the ongoing rains that have affected roads in the country, at least 11 schools in Manzini will miss classes as transport is still unable to navigate through the extensively damaged roads.

This was confirmed by Kukhanyeni Indvuna Yenkhundla Remember Matsenjwa, who said there were about three high and eight primary schools that might not operate today because access to the roads was impossible due to the incessant rains. The schools are; Maliyaduma, Seven Holy Founders, Salukazi, Ngwazini, Kukhanyeni, Mphembekati, Nkiliji and Bhekinkhosi primary schools. Meanwhile, Malunge, Kukhanyeni, as well as Nkiliji high schools were also affected as they also shared the same extensively damaged roads.

Rains

Worth noting is that for nearly a week, the country has been experiencing heavy constant rains.This has been affecting not only roads but also houses. Other affected African countries are Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and some parts of South Africa (SA). Matsenjwa mentioned that due to the ongoing rains, the roads were extensively damaged such that public transport could not travel on the roads. He said it were only kombis that could try to travel, but some of their owners were hesitant because this was damaging their vehicles.

“Everything is at standstill as not only are learners affected, but those going to work because most of them use public transport as well,” Matsenjwa said. “It is a pity that this is an issue that cannot be contained since these are effects of climate change. It’s painful that we have to watch helplessly as the rains continuously damage our road infrastructure,” he said.

When drawn for comment, Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Education and Training Bheki Gama said he could neither allow nor refrain children from attending school. “Every child knows the situation in his or her area and so they should act accordingly. If the situation permits, children should go to school, and if not, they should not,” said Gama. Nonetheless, he maintained that schools were still open.

Damaged

He also stated that there were no reports of schools that were damaged due to the rains yet. Last Friday, over 40 schools were said to have suspended classes due to poor turnout of learners and teachers. The heavy rains resulted in various communities across the country being isolated as bridges were overflowing, making it impossible to cross over. Gravel roads were also slippery and muddy, such that public transport workers parked vehicles.

Meanwhile, the newly-built multimillion Mgungundlovu Bridge at Mzimnene River between Nkamanzi and Mgungundlovu, under the Ndzingeni Constituency, was swept away by the continuous heavy rains last Thursday night. This happened before the bridge was officially handed over to government. It is worth noting that the Ministry of Public Works and Transport issued tenders for the procurement of construction materials through the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency in the first quarter of the financial year 2022/2023, to address some of the low-level bridges. About 21 bridges were listed as part of the project to be addressed in this financial year.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: