Govt gives sites for construction of hostels

Government has officially handed over the sites for the construction of hostels with a total bed space capacity of 9, 600 for four public higher learning institutions.

The four public learning institutions whose hostels bed space will be expanded include the University of Zambia (UNZA), Copperbelt University (CBU), Mulungushi University and Evelyn Hone College.

Speaking this morning when he officially handed over the blue prints for the construction works to 10 contractors, Education Minister John Phiri disclosed that UNZA will have its bed space increased by 4, 160, while the Copperbelt University will have an increase of 3, 200 bed spaces.

Dr. Phiri says Mulungushi University will have its hostels bed space increased by 1, 280 whereas Evelyn Hone College will get an additional bed space of 960.

He says much as government is undertaking such momentous projects at the four institutions, there still much more that remains to be done at these institutions as well as other existing public learning institutions such as Northern Technical College (NORTEC).

Dr. Phiri states that to this effect with the help of government’s cooperating partners in the skills development sector, plans are underway to improve infrastructure not only at NORTEC but also at other TEVET colleges across the country.

He further notes that his Ministry will this year continue to implement policies and programmes which are within the framework of the Revised Sixth National Development Plan and which are realigned to ensure that they meet the aspiration of learners.

The contractors that will work on the expansion of hostels at Copperbelt University are Hua Jiang Investment Limited, Hua Chang Infrastructure Limited, Nebavest Pty Jv Nebvest Zambia Limited, Millers Construction Limited and Gosvin Engineering Limited.

Wah Kong Enterprises Limited, Mango Tree Construction Company Limited, Free Face Enterprises Jv Phumi Trading Cc, Hua Chang Infrastructure, African Brothers Cooperation Limited and Millers Construction Limited will work on the University of Zambia.

Mulungushi University has been assigned Covec Zambia Limited while construction works at the Evelyn Hone College will be done by Mango Tree Construction Company Limited and Flame Promotion and procurement Limited.