Solar Borehole Sparks Drama as Parents Close Down Boora Primary School
Teaching and learning at Boora Primary School in Ward 17, Bikita, were disrupted after angry parents shut down the school and forced pupils to return home during protests against headmistress Tsitsi Fusirai.
The demonstration, which took place on May 12, reportedly centred on accusations that the school head was making major decisions without consulting parents and the School Development Committee (SDC).
However, other community members defended Fusirai, saying she had overseen significant improvements at the school and accusing a small group of parents and local political figures of resisting development initiatives.
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Borehole and WiFi at Centre of Dispute
The biggest source of tension is a solar-powered borehole installed within the school grounds. Some parents reportedly preferred a bush pump to be drilled outside the school premises, arguing that the alternative location had a stronger water supply.
Critics claimed the borehole was not producing enough water despite the investment.
Supporters of the project, however, said the solar system was designed to do more than pump water. The infrastructure is also powering classrooms and providing internet access through WiFi connectivity at the school.
Fusirai confirmed that parents had closed the school but referred all media enquiries to district education authorities.
Police Called In as Protest Escalates
The situation reportedly became tense before Chief Budzi arrived at the school accompanied by police officers.
Authorities later arrested 21 parents accused of locking the school gates and participating in the protest.
Chief Budzi said he was surprised by the incident after finding the school deserted and the gates locked when he arrived.
He said demonstrators claimed to have a petition against the headmistress but did not share its contents with him.
Councillors Accused of Fueling Conflict
Sources within the community alleged that local opposition-linked councillors were influencing the unrest in an attempt to gain control over school affairs.
Ward 17 Councillor Decent Chikunya denied organising the protest but acknowledged monitoring developments at Bikita Police Station.
Chikunya said some parents wanted Fusirai removed over allegations of financial mismanagement and claims that she pushed through the solar borehole project against community wishes.
SDC Defends School Head
SDC chairperson Revai Polite Simbo dismissed allegations of wrongdoing and insisted all financial procedures were properly followed.
Simbo said every withdrawal was approved through the finance committee and recorded in official meeting minutes.
She also defended the decision to install the solar-powered borehole, saying the project was intended to improve access to water while also bringing electricity and internet services to the school.
According to Simbo, the solar infrastructure was designed to support multiple developments at the school rather than serving the borehole alone.
Power Struggle Claims Surface
Additional sources alleged that disputes over school governance had been brewing for some time, with claims that one councillor previously attempted to dissolve the SDC before education officials intervened.
Community members said tensions were linked to attempts by certain political figures to exert influence over the running of the school.
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