Zambia: Copperbelt University Students looted shops and caused damage to public and private property as a part of their protest. The students were bringing the attention of the authorities to the fact that they did not have adequate water supply at the institution.
The protest was staged at the university on Monday with the students being engaged in a violent protest. The Mayor of Kitwe, Mpasa Mwaya visited the university premises to get a grasp on the situation.
The Mayor has called on the law enforcement agencies of the district to arrest the students who were responsible for the violent protest. During her visit to the premises, Mwaya condemned the behaviour of the students saying they could have used a more peaceful way of airing their grievances than resorting to rioting.
Mayor believes that students of the country can take several other steps to make the administration aware of their issues. They could go to the union and school management in a more peaceful manner. However, the students should not have resorted to violence to air their grievances.
Governor Mwaya further called for collaboration among students’ union, CBU Management and the workers’ union in addressing various challenges facing the institution.
At the same time, Mayor Mwaya appreciated the CBU Management and Nkana Water and Sanitation Company. She highlighted that they worked hard to ensure that students can have access to continuous water supply for students.
Further, Copperbelt University Vice Chancellor, Bernard Hang’ombe, also condemned the damage caused by the students saying they are a drawback to the institution’s progress.
According to Professor Hang’ombe the university management was working with the union to bring the students responsible for vandalism and loot to justice. He also took the time to ensure the public that the rumours on social media suggesting the death of two students were false
According to the student protestors, they have been facing issues over the shortage of water in the institution. Several lodging students have shared that they face issues in performing basic daily activities due to lack of water supply.