By Ryan Chiwara- Several schools in Gutu district are facing financial distress due to non-payment of school fees as a result of Covid -19 pandemic.
Several schools are finding it difficult to pay ancillary staff and maintain the school infrastructure due to a lack of funds. The closure of schools as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus brought serious challenges for the school authorities who are now struggling to pay staff salaries.
A member of the School Development Committee (SDC) at Mupandawana High school confirmed that they are having difficulties paying the security guards at the school due to their empty coffers.
“Parents are not paying school fees since their kids are not attending school and at the same school property requires protection yet we are now struggling to pay our guards,” He said.
The SDC member also added that the situation had also affected several income generating projects at the school.
“Due to lack of funds to purchase stock feeds, we have resorted to selling our pigs and chickens before they have fully matured because we cannot feed them. We no longer have the money to buy the feeds,” he added.
At Gutu United Primary school the situation is the same with reports that one of the security guards at the council run school is no longer reporting for duty over unpaid salaries.
Hwiru Primary school usually known for its evergreen and blossoming flowers is also hard hit by the pandemic.
Upon arrival at the gate, one is greeted by a dull spectacle of wilting flowers amidst reports that the school is also struggling to pay for electricity, water and other utility bills.
Most of the schools in the district used to supplement their income from rentals paid by local churches.
However, due to lockdown restrictions imposed by the government and also a Ministerial directive for schools to stop renting their facilities in preparation for the re- opening of schools, this source of income is now a thing of the past.
Gutu United Residents and Ratepayers Association (GURRA) secretary for education Richard Madoro said its high time council as the responsible authority takes over the maintenance of schools during these difficult times.
“Council as the responsible authority should come in handy and assist in the maintenance of schools during this time,” said Madoro.
Contacted for comment Gutu Rural District Council (GRDC) Community services officer Thomas Meya said they are quite aware of the precarious situation facing the schools.
“We know the challenges being faced by schools. However, the local authority is also facing similar challenges because the revenue base has also shrunk due to Covid -19,” he said.