Construction of UNZA Hostels Set to Resume in 2024, Confirms Education Minister Syakalima
The long-awaited resumption of hostel construction at the University of Zambia’s (UNZA) Great East Road campus is finally on the horizon, with work expected to restart in the last quarter of 2024.
This assurance comes from Education Minister Hon. Douglas Syakalima, who provided an update on the stalled project.
Hon. Syakalima revealed that the Ministry of Education had been awaiting guidance from the office of the Attorney General concerning the interest claimed by the contractor. The interest accrued due to significant delays in the project, which had been on hold for several years.
“We were waiting for guidance from the office of the Attorney General on the negotiations the government was having with the contractor regarding the interest the contractor was demanding,” said Syakalima.
Additionally, the Education Ministry had commissioned a forensic audit to verify the contractor’s financial claims. The audit has now been completed, and the Ministry has received the necessary communication from the Attorney General’s office to proceed with the project.
“The forensic audit is complete, and we have received the green light to move forward with the construction,” Syakalima confirmed.
The Minister emphasized that the project had stalled long before the current New Dawn government took office.
He assured the public that the government is committed to addressing the issues that have delayed the construction and is determined to improve the living conditions for students at UNZA.
