Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds have blown off the roof of a 1 x 3 classroom block at Mboshya Primary School in Luano District of Central Province.

Luano District Commissioner, Kells Meleki confirmed the incident to ZANIS in an interview stating that the development was a setback for the community.

“While the damage to the classroom block is indeed a setback for our community, we are fortunate that no pupil was injured because the schools are currently on holiday,” Mr Meleki said.

Mr Meleki said an assessment report of the situation was being prepared and will be submitted to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) at the provincial offices.

Luano Council Chairperson, Paul Tembo has called for interventions by the local authority and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit to quickly move in and remedy the situation before schools re-open.

Mr Tembo observed that there is need to bring down the entire classroom block and construct a new one that will stand the test of time.

“I am not an engineer, but from the look of things the entire classroom block will need to be demolished and construct a new one that would stand a test of time”, he said.

Meanwhile, Mboshya Primary School acting Head Teacher, Joseph Kampampa said the incident will adversely affect the learners when the school reopens in January 2025.

Mr Kampampa expressed sadness that the situation had happened at a crucial time when pupils were remaining with three weeks before the commencement of the first term.

“I am appealing to the government and other well-wishers to come on board and help in any way possible to rehabilitate the classroom block,” he said.