No money to complete new UNAM Southern Campus
About N$50 million is needed to complete the project.
KEETMANSHOOP – The vice-chancellor of the University of Namibia (UNAM), Kenneth Matengu, says the institution has no money for the completion of the first phase at the Southern Campus (SC) in Keetmanshoop and external help is needed.
Speaking at a stakeholder’s engagement last week, Matengu said it is clear that the government has no money and it is time for various stakeholders to hold hands and raise the necessary funds for the completion of the building.
“We cannot depend on the state as it has no money for capital projects. Let us join hands and see how we can solve the problem. We must ask ourselves if there is anything we can do to complete the building and move on to other future plans,” said Matengu.
He also challenged the regional government in finding ways to secure funds to help the university, saying it can make a huge impact in their region.
“As a regional government when you are planning, you should also plan so that the university has an impact in your region,” he said.
The mayor of Keetmanshoop, Gaudentia Kröhne, said it is time for the private and public sector to come on board and help the university.
“We know there is a saying that there is no money, perhaps the university can go into a public-private partnership to acquire the funds needed. I urge the private sector to go into this PPP with UNAM for the completion of the centre for the southern child,” she said.
‘Unacceptable’
The //Kharas chief regional officer, Beatus Kasete, said the construction should be finalised by the ministry of higher education and innovation, adding it is only fair if the ministry comes out to provide information on how much money they need to complete the campus.
“It is unacceptable that the ministry is starting with the construction of a vocational training centre here while the other building is standing halfway. We need clarity on this issue,” he said.
Construction of the first phase of campus, situated in the Noordhoek residential area, was supposed to be completed last September, after an earlier postponement, but was stopped due to financial constraints.
On completion it will amongst others house four lecture halls, four geoscience laboratories, one classroom, administration offices, a disability access ramp, lecturers’ offices, a boardroom, ablution facilities and study areas.
The UNAM first phase commenced in August 2016 is expected to cost the university over N$80 million. So far, N$30 million has been spent, according to the public relations officer of UNAM, John Haufiku. - Nampa
Speaking at a stakeholder’s engagement last week, Matengu said it is clear that the government has no money and it is time for various stakeholders to hold hands and raise the necessary funds for the completion of the building.
“We cannot depend on the state as it has no money for capital projects. Let us join hands and see how we can solve the problem. We must ask ourselves if there is anything we can do to complete the building and move on to other future plans,” said Matengu.
He also challenged the regional government in finding ways to secure funds to help the university, saying it can make a huge impact in their region.
“As a regional government when you are planning, you should also plan so that the university has an impact in your region,” he said.
The mayor of Keetmanshoop, Gaudentia Kröhne, said it is time for the private and public sector to come on board and help the university.
“We know there is a saying that there is no money, perhaps the university can go into a public-private partnership to acquire the funds needed. I urge the private sector to go into this PPP with UNAM for the completion of the centre for the southern child,” she said.
‘Unacceptable’
The //Kharas chief regional officer, Beatus Kasete, said the construction should be finalised by the ministry of higher education and innovation, adding it is only fair if the ministry comes out to provide information on how much money they need to complete the campus.
“It is unacceptable that the ministry is starting with the construction of a vocational training centre here while the other building is standing halfway. We need clarity on this issue,” he said.
Construction of the first phase of campus, situated in the Noordhoek residential area, was supposed to be completed last September, after an earlier postponement, but was stopped due to financial constraints.
On completion it will amongst others house four lecture halls, four geoscience laboratories, one classroom, administration offices, a disability access ramp, lecturers’ offices, a boardroom, ablution facilities and study areas.
The UNAM first phase commenced in August 2016 is expected to cost the university over N$80 million. So far, N$30 million has been spent, according to the public relations officer of UNAM, John Haufiku. - Nampa
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