Government pledges $34 million to revamp Nust

Government will inject $34 million towards the construction of three  dormitories at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Bulawayo, ahead of the Africa Union Zone VI Youth Games in December.

The hostels would be used to accommodate athletes during the continental sporting showpiece.

Last year, Zimbabwe won the bid to host the biennial Supreme Council of Sport in Africa (SCSA) games, whose membership comprises of Africa Union states and government gave Bulawayo the right to host the games.

The Nust campus was chosen to be  the games village,  meaning the University would be responsible for accommodating the participating athletes.

Speaking during a tour to assess the hostel facilities set aside for the accommodation of 4000 athletes that will partake in the field and track events during the 14 day event, the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development,  Godfrey Gandawa Friday said government would begin work on constructing more hostels at the institution shortly.

"Government will soon avail funds to ensure the construction of three hostels at Nust to be used as accommodation for the athletes that will grace the country in December for the Youth Games," he said.

Before the assessment tour, Gandawa, who is a former student at the institution, was presented with the master plan for the proposed three buildings to add to the already existing structures.

Gandawa said construction work on the hostels is expected to begin as soon as the assessment report on the venue is tabled to government.

"I will present the report to cabinet and by Tuesday (March 4), we should be getting feedback that will enable us to start work as soon as possible.

"We are certain that the projects will be completed before the games start in December," he said.

The construction of each hostel is estimated at $9,55 million, while an extra $5 million will be required to equip and furnish the hostels.

Speaking after the assessment tour, the Nust Director of Information and Public Relations, Felix Moyo said the construction of hostels would go a long way towards alleviating the institution's accommodation woes.

"The three hostels to be built will accommodate 622 students each and with the three of them accommodating a combined 1866 students, we are hoping to maximise utilisation by adding bunk beds and all the hostels will then accommodate 4000 students," he said.

Currently only 134 students can be accommodated at the NUST dormitories with the students being selected using a ‘lottery' system, leaving the rest of the unlucky students at the mercy of landlords outside the institution who charge exorbitant rentals.