Government has signed a concessionaire agreement with Goodlife Group Zambia for the construction of 6,480 bed spaces at the University of Zambia (UNZA) over a period of 24 months.
Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane disclosed that the project is valued at over 37 million United States Dollars (USD), reflecting strong private sector confidence in Zambia’s education sector.
Dr Musokotwane said the concession agreement will run for 27 years, allowing for construction, financing, operations, and the eventual transfer of the facilities to the university.
The Minister said the signing of the concessionaire agreement marks a major shift in addressing the country’s long-standing student accommodation crisis.
Dr Musokotwane added that the project demonstrates the government’s commitment to reforms and the adoption of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a practical solution to infrastructure challenges.
Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Charles Milupi appealed to Goodlife Group to construct the bed spaces within the stipulated time frame and to international standards.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima explained that the demand for higher education has risen sharply due to population growth and government policies such as free education, which have seen over 3.5 million learners return to school.
Mr Syakalima, who was represented by Permanent Secretary for Administration Noriana Muneku, said that with between 170,000 and 180,000 pupils completing Grade 12 annually, Zambia must prepare for increased pressure on universities to accommodate more students.
Goodlife Group Zambia Chief Executive Officer Shawn Kabemba assured the government that the project will be completed within two years and on time, and that student hostel bed spaces will be well maintained.
Are these new hostels taking note of the fact that students now cook for themselves?