Mugabe computers lying idle

SYDNEY SAIZE

At least 100 state-of-the-art computers donated under Presidential Funding to ARDA Transau Secondary School are still lying idle nearly 10 years after they were handed over to a school that has no electricity.

There are fears that the computers may become redundant if they remain unused for long.

The computers donated by the late President Robert Mugabe during his drive for the computerisation of both rural and urban schools have not been in use owing to a lack of electricity at the school.

Lynette January, a committee member at the school said the computers have not been used since they were handed over in 2014.

She said her fears were that they may not be usable in the long run.

“We got the computers years back and they have not been used. We are afraid they can be wasted off in that state. We are appealing for the powers that be to chip in so that we get electricity at our school for the machines to be functional.

“The motive of the donation was to ensure that even disadvantaged children in rural areas are kept abreast with the modern technology of ICT but as it stands our children are not benefitting from the envisaged dreams of the donor. We appeal for assistance in this case,” January said.

Manicaland Provincial Development and Devolution secretary Edgar Seenza told Business Times plans were underway to rectify the issue.

“It is a matter that is being addressed. We are seized with that and be assured that it is going to be resolved soon,” Seenza said.