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Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Bulawayo Students Accommodation City Complex where he is expected to commission it.
Present at the commissioning ceremony are Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube and the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development Dr Frederick Shava.
Officials from the Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe, Public Service Commission, Bulawayo City Council Mayor, Councillor David Coltart and Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube, among other dignitaries, are also in attendance.
Upon arrival, the President toured the complex which has 516 rooms, with two students sharing one room. At full capacity, it will accommodate 1032 students.
The facility started accommodating students from across tertiary institutions in July last year, with those from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in the majority.
Construction costs are estimated at US$18,5 million.
Government, through the PSC’s Public Service Pension Fund, is a co-investor in the project alongside Old Mutual Life Assurance Company, the Old Mutual Local Pension Fund Syndicate, IDBZ, Motor Industry Pension Fund and the Zimnat Nominees.
The concept is expected to be replicated in areas that have universities, with Lupane expected to be the second beneficiary of such a facility.
The Bulawayo Students Accommodation City Complex is expected to generate income for the private sector as it has 33 commercial units, including a food court, a bank, grocery shops, and a pharmacy, among other things.
It is equipped with closed circuit television and biometric entrance to enhance the security of the students occupying the facility.
Online Reporter