The Construction of Michael Chilufya Sata Secondary School in Kantenshya area of Isoka District in Muchinga Province is progressing well.
Speaking in an interview with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) when he visited the school, Isoka District Commissioner, Jairo Simbeye said the government remains committed to completing the project in order to improve access to education under the Free Education Policy.
Mr Simbeye disclosed that the government is aware that learners from the school are currently sharing facilities at the nearby Isoka Boys Secondary School due to the incomplete state of the institution.
The DC said the Government is committed to ensuring that the construction of Michael Chilufya Sata Secondary School is completed so that learners can access education in a conducive environment.
“It is unfortunate that pupils from Michael Chilufya Sata Secondary School are squatting at Isoka Boys Secondary School while the school in Kantenshya remains incomplete,” he said.
Mr Simbeye added that the temporary learning environment is not conducive, citing leaking classrooms, inadequate office space and poor staff facilities.
“The place they are using is in bad condition. The staff room is leaking, classes are leaking and teachers do not have decent offices,” he stated.
The District Commissioner emphasised that the situation is a matter of concern for the government, especially in view of the Free Education Policy being implemented.
“As government, this is something we are concerned about because our President wants every child to be educated. That is why we have the free education policy,” he noted .
And Mr Simbeye acknowledged the challenges being faced by the school and assured school management and the community that measures are being taken to address the situation.
“I know it is not easy with the difficulties you are facing, but this government is in a hurry to ensure that every child gets the education they deserve,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Mary Mulaisho, a pupil at Michael Chilufya Sata Secondary School, expressed optimism that construction works will be completed soon.
“I am hopeful that the school will be completed soon, and I am thankful to the government for the free education policy,” she said.
We are investigating how this school project was approved while there were more pressing national issues than building a school out of pride.