State varsities to get new hostels

Several companies have submitted bids to construct hostels at State universities after Cabinet approved the multi-million-dollar project.

Though The Sunday Mail could not immediately determine the bidders’ identities, construction should begin soon on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) arrangement.

At least 6 000 students will be housed in the fully furnished hostels under Phase 1, at a projected cost of US$11 million. The contractor will recoup the investment from students’ accommodation fees over an agreed period. The University of Zimbabwe, Midlands State University; Lupane State University and Chinhoyi University of Technology will benefit.

Dr Machivenyika Mapuranga – the Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Ministry’s Permanent Secretary – said, “Government has put in place policy guidelines on the implementation of this policy. This BOT concept has been fully endorsed by Government as a way of providing students accommodation in all our institutions.

“The funder will recoup his/her capital during an agreed timeframe where money paid for accommodation by students will go towards recouping construction expenses.”

Tertiary Education Deputy Minister Dr Godfrey Gandawa added, “We have received various local and international bids for this project.

“We are looking at a payment period of up to 25 years, but it all depends on the kind of investment that would have been poured in. The matter will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. For example, we are looking at constructing a structure which will accommodate 1 000 students at Lupane; obviously the payment period cannot be 25 years.

“Further, we expect to add about 1 000 students at University of Zimbabwe.”

Zimbabwe Congress of Students’ Unions vice-president Ilet Shirimangombe supported the initiative.

“Increasing accommodation at our universities will protect students, especially girls, who end up seeking accommodation away from campus. This also means students will be able to conduct their studies without any disturbances as they will be on campus.

“Some female students who rent accommodation are often abused by landlords who, in some instances, demand sex if they fail to pay rentals. Others are also forced to co-habit with men.”

Zimbabwe’s State universities have not been able to provide adequate campus residence as a sanction-bruised national economy inhibited their plans to do so. Most degree aspirants rent living space in surrounding communities, with at least five sharing a room in some cases.