The ManicaPost
Captain Brian Muchero
MANICALAND-BASED 3 Infantry Brigade, also known as Hebert Chitepo Barracks, has continued impacting on the lives of the people of Manicaland through various projects.
Besides being responsible for the security of its tactical area of responsibility, the brigade, as part of its secondary roles, provides military aid to civil communities, civil ministries and civil powers as outlined in Section 212 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
The brigade, through its 3 Engineers Field Squadron, has over the years relentlessly assisted communities in Manicaland through construction of schools, bridges, clinics and other social amenities and infrastructure.
On military aid to civil communities, the brigade is involved in the construction of two classroom blocks at Charleswood Primary School in Chimanimani.
Prior to the project, the learners at the school were using farm barns as classrooms. The brigade provided artisans for the project and partnered with FBC Holdings, which provided all the building materials that were required. The project is now at roof level.
3 Infantry Brigade is also conducting renovations of a three-bedroomed staff house at the Department of Social Welfare’s National Rehabilitation Centre.
Upon its completion, it is set to house the school’s matron and three cooks.
The works being done, which commenced on January 26, 2020 include plastering, floors, brickwork and painting.
All the buildings are being constructed to accommodate wheelchair bound learners at the institution.
The school has an enrolment of 45 physically-challenged girls. Of these, 30 are learners in Grades 3 to 7. Fifteen are on vocational training which include secretarial studies and garment making.
The project was sponsored by the Department of Social Welfare.
Other ongoing projects which are almost complete include Mount Carmel Primary School in Headlands, where a classroom block was completed and is currently awaiting painting.
The project commenced on August 23, 2017.
The construction of a 10-roomed girls dormitory block at Nyatsanza Primary school in Hauna, Mutasa District, commenced on December 16, 2016 and is at plastering level.
Another notable project is the construction of Mapako Clinic in Nyanga North, which commenced on December 16, 2017. The project is awaiting electrification and painting.
Progress in the above mentioned projects has being stalled by the non-availability of resources in the communities.
The brigade also conducts clean-up campaigns at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital.
Recently it was involved in the resuscitation of the perimeter fence at the institution after it had collapsed.
In all the projects, 3 Infantry Brigade only provides assistance in the form of artisans.
It is the duty of the communities to marshal material and resources for their respective construction requirements.
To get assistance, the community through their representative can write a letter addressed to Commander 3 Infantry Brigade for his consideration stating their request.
In the wake of the Covid-19 global pandemic, 3 Infantry Brigade is also supporting the Zimbabwe Republic Police in enforcing curfews and border operations to control the spread of the virus and smuggling.
