PRIMARY schools in the high-density suburb of Cowdray Park, Bulawayo, continue to experience over-enrolment with most classes recording more than 50 learners.
Cowdray Park, with an average population of 75 000, is the country's second most populated suburb after Harare's Budiriro.
Speaking to Southern Eye yesterday, ward 28 councillor, Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu, said over-enrolment remained a critical challenge in the area with Mahlathini Primary School accommodating over 2 800 learners under a four-tier classroom system.
"This model, alongside widespread hot-seating, has placed immense pressure on existing infrastructure, severely compromising the quality of education. Despite these challenges, schools in the area continue to demonstrate resilience, as seen in their commendable pass rates. However, it is clear that with adequate resources — such as additional classroom blocks, learning materials and improved facilities — performance could improve even further,” he said.
Ndlovu said efforts to address the crisis had been ongoing, with engagements among Bulawayo City Council, the Primary and Secondary Education ministry and various stakeholders underway.
“There is an urgent need for investment in new school infrastructure and plans are being explored to construct more schools in newer parts of Cowdray Park, initiatives including partnerships with development agencies, are also being considered to ease the burden. While the situation remains dire, these interventions offer hope for long-term solutions to ensure a more conducive learning environment for Cowdray Park learners,” Ndlovu said.
