KEY POINTS
- Only 83 of 300 planned schools were built in 2023.
- BEAM funding delays leave schools overcrowded and struggling.
- Partnerships and better resource allocation can improve education access
School construction projects funded by the Zimbabwean government are lagging behind due to insufficient funding, according to a report from the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education.
The report calls for new funding approaches, such as public-private partnerships, to address the delays and improve educational infrastructure.
Slow progress and missed targets
The report, presented by committee chairperson Ophias Murambiwa, revealed that only 83 of the 300 schools planned for construction in 2023 were completed. This slow progress underscores the urgent need to tackle the shortage of 2,800 schools across the country.
“Delays in the release of Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) and devolution funds have significantly impacted school projects,” the report stated.
For instance, Melbourne Primary School in Chiredzi has received building materials but lacks any completed structures, highlighting inefficiencies in implementation.
According to a report by Newsday Zimbabwe, satellite schools, such as Mapona Primary in Mutoko, remain overcrowded due to incomplete infrastructure.
Many existing school buildings lack basic facilities like accessible ablution blocks, emphasizing the need for more inclusive designs.
Financial struggles and BEAM Programme Delays
School development committees (SDCs) and school development associations (SDAs) often begin projects with enthusiasm but are unable to sustain progress due to financial limitations.
The BEAM programme, designed to cover tuition and fees for underprivileged students, has also faced significant underfunding and late disbursement.
Some schools have gone more than two years without receiving BEAM funds, according to the National Association of Secondary Heads and the National Association of Primary Heads. This has left many beneficiaries unable to access basic education.
The government has acknowledged issues of mismanagement and late payments within the BEAM programme but has also warned schools against turning away learners for unpaid fees, citing constitutional protections.
Recommendations for the future
To address these challenges, the committee urged the Ministry of Finance to ensure the timely release of BEAM and devolution funds before the end of 2024.
Additionally, it called on the Ministry of Education to explore alternative funding models, such as public-private partnerships, to support infrastructure development.
The committee also recommended training SDCs and SDAs in resource mobilization and project management by April 2025. Over the next two years, priority should be given to building classrooms and expanding facilities in overcrowded satellite schools.
For years, the government has promised free basic education, but this goal remains unrealized. Without decisive action and innovative funding strategies, the nation risks failing its young learners.
The call for better funding models and efficient resource management is essential to ensure that Zimbabwe’s schools meet the growing demand for quality education.
