Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
CHINHOYI University of Technology (CUT) has embarked on an extensive refurbishment of its student accommodation as the institution marks 25 years of existence, with a focus on creating a modern, learner-centred environment.
The three-week refurbishment programme is targeting student hostels and is expected to bring the facilities in line with modern standards, while improving the overall living and learning environment.
The works include the facelift of the university canteen, as well as upgrades to plumbing, ceilings, tiling and built-in cupboards (BICs), transforming the hostels into modern study bedrooms suitable for the 21st-century learner.
The latest infrastructure drive builds on several projects commissioned at CUT by President Mnangagwa, including the university’s iconic administration building and recently completed accommodation facilities.
Although the refurbishment is being undertaken during the semester and has temporarily inconvenienced students, the university has arranged alternative accommodation for those affected.
The Directorate of Off-Campus Life under the Student Affairs Division is coordinating the relocation, drawing from a database of registered boarding house operators.
CUT director of communications and public relations Dr Shadreck Nembaware confirmed the development, saying the university was committed to ensuring students remained in safe and reputable accommodation during the refurbishment.
“The refurbishments have been a long way coming and they spell out an exciting delivery on the part of the institution’s infrastructure transformation promise,” he said.
“Further to the new administration building and the accommodation facilities recently commissioned by His Excellency, our students will soon be enjoying facilities refurbished to their 21st-century convenience.”
Dr Nembaware said the relocation process was undertaken in consultation with the Student Representative Council (SRC).
“The beauty of the whole process is that we have always consulted our Student Representative Council (SRC) at every stage because our university management values the strategic input of our student leaders,” he said.
SRC president Definate Mazvihwa said students welcomed the refurbishment, noting that most of the hostels were in need of rehabilitation.
“Most of the hostels have been in dire need of revamping. We are glad that the university has taken it upon itself to rehabilitate them in line with international standards,” he said.
“We are also happy that the university managed to organise accommodation for all the students affected by the temporary move.”
Zimbabwe Congress of Students union (ZICOSU) provincial chairman Shackmore Banda dismissed claims that students were forcibly evicted, saying they had been informed ahead of Tuesday’s relocation to approved boarding houses around Chinhoyi.
CUT SRC Minister of Gender Ashley Mashatise said the alternative accommodation met the required standards and was safe and conducive for students.
The university has also introduced a coordinated shuttle service, using its growing fleet of buses to ferry students between the boarding houses and various learning venues during the refurbishment period.
