HH Restarts Abandoned University Infrastructure Projects

On Wednesday, President Hichilema relaunched construction at some of Zambia’s premier learning institutions where projects to improve accommodation had stalled, leaving learners with inadequate and often crowded living spaces.

The President’s tour of student hostels and accommodations covered the University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus, UNZA Great East Road Campus, Palabana University, and Chalimbana University. 

Hichilema encouraged contractors at the Ridgeway campus to work around the clock to expedite work and complete decent accommodation and learning facilities ahead of schedule. The President has also directed Education Minister Douglas Syakalima to ensure that all hostel construction projects are completed before December this year.

“Despite resource constraints, we have prioritised student welfare by allocating funds to restart these abandoned projects. Our free education policy underscores the need to improve infrastructure, creating centres of excellence that can supply highly skilled professionals to our growing economy,” said the President’s statement on Facebook.

Later, when addressing the students at Palabana University, the Head of State reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding University land from encroachment and announced plans to provide a solar power generator to mitigate the effects of load shedding on campus.

The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, telling students at UNZA “The education of our young people is our number one priority; that’s why we are pushing these projects forward.” 

The Ministry of Education is constructing 58 hostel blocks across eight public Universities, including: 

  • University of Zambia Main Campus

  • University of Zambia Ridgeway Campus

  • Copperbelt University Riverside Campus

  • Copperbelt University Michael Chilufya Sata Medical School

  • Mulungushi University Main Campus

  • Chalimbana University

  • Palabana University

  • Nkrumah University

  • Paul Mushindo University and Mukuba University

Restoring these initiatives reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Zambia’s higher education sector.

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