Zambia: President Hakainde Hichilema has promised the University of Zambia (UNZA) that they will construct hostels for the students. The Great East Road Campus students have been waiting for the construction to begin on the accommodation.
Student hostels are being demanded to encourage more and more students to pursue higher education. Long distance of travel and other logistical issues have negatively impacted enrolment in many campuses of the University of Zambia.
The government’s commitment to complete the construction of student hostels is expected to help reverse that situation. President Hichilema notes that the government will continue to mobilise resources to ensure that students have better accommodation, even if it means working within a constrained fiscal space.
He adds that the government will also ensure that the old student residences are maintained. The officials have shared that they want to make the best use of the available resources.
Financial issues are a cause of concern for the administration, however, the President has pledged to complete the construction even under a smaller fiscal window.
The President was speaking this afternoon, when he addressed students at the learning institution, after conducting a tour of the student hostels under construction.
President Hichilema urged students not to damage school infrastructure in order to preserve it for future students.
He further assured students that the government will continue to resolve student challenges in phases.
President Hichilema further advised contractors working on student hostels to complete the hostels on time.
“I advise all UNZA alumni to consider rehabilitating a room in the old residences, especially those that were accommodated during the study here,” he added.
Meanwhile, UNZASU president, Dixon Mutambo, appreciated the government’s support towards student welfare.
Mutambo also appreciated President Hichilema’s concern to safeguard female students at tertiary institutions.
He pointed out that the completion of the student hostels will go a long way in cushioning the student accommodation crisis.
“However, there is poor sanitation in the old residences and I am appealing for their quick maintenance,” added Mr Mutambo