BY JAIROS SAUNYAMA

Government has temporarily shut down four top schools in Wedza District for health reasons after they failed to supply water to students following power supply problems.

Students at Catholic-run Mount St Mary’s High School, St Annes Goto High, Gumbonzvanda and Chigwedere Secondary have been sent home.

A hailstorm which battered the area recently destroyed electricity poles, affecting the pumping of water to the learning institutions.

Zesa officials are addressing the issue.

Mashonaland East provincial medical director Simukai Zizhou yesterday confirmed the development, adding that the schools would re-open once the water systems become functional.

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“I confirm that we closed four schools in Wedza over health related issues. The schools will open once power is restored as well as ensuring that the water systems are running smoothly. We only left exam classes that can be managed given the water crisis in the affected schools,” he said.

Zizhou added that they shut the schools to avoid a health disaster such as cholera or typhoid outbreaks.

Meanwhile, guardians and villagers in Wedza have accused Zesa officials of being slow to rectify the power problems that have resulted in thousands of students missing their lessons at a crucial moment they are sitting for their end of year examina