Govt denies selling NRDC

Kampamba Mulenga

Government has clarified that the Natural Resources Development College (NRDC) has not be sold as reported in some sections of social media.

In a statement, Chief Government Spokesperson Kapamba Mulenga says AVIC International had made an unsolicited proposal to develop a brand new Natural Resources Development College (NRDC)on a 1,662.23 hectare piece of land in Mumbwa, with a view to turning the current NRDC land into a commercial city within a city.

Ms Mulenga however, says AVIC has not returned with any concrete proposal and, therefore, Government has not made any decision on the matter.

She says Government is cognizant of the fact that NRDC was built in 1965 to cater for a population of 300 students, but that today, the population of students has swelled to 2, 024 and is likely to reach 4, 000 by 2019.

She adds that the college infrastructure which sits on a land size of only 304 hectares is surrounded by residential areas, namely; Mtendere, PHI and Avondale making it difficult for Government to expand the campus.

Ms Mulenga states that AVIC, on the other hand, proposed that once developed, the new NRDC will be self-sustaining as it will engage in income generating activities because of the massive land.

She says AVIC further envisaged that students will be able to undertake various agricultural practicals as compared to now when they have a limited number of practicals due to limited space.

Ms Mulenga adds that AVIC envisages an increased number of bed spaces once the new campus is built.

The Information and Broadcasting Services Minister says Government is currently awaiting a detailed proposal from AVIC and that the public will be informed on the decision that will be made.