Construction of 4,726 bed spaces at Mzuzu University (Mzuni) under a Public-Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) arrangement is set to commence in October this year and continue until September 2027, officials have said.
The $130 million (K225 billion) project, whose paperwork began in 2020, will be undertaken as a joint venture among the African Growth Group (AGG), Future Life Limited and a financier.
Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships at AGG, Amos Chibwana, provided an update on the works in Mzuzu Tuesday.
He said the designs for the hostels are complete and that they are finalising financial closure with PPPC.
Chibwana said the primary goal of the project is to provide affordable, high-quality, well-managed and well-maintained student accommodation.
“Large projects like this are always guided by national regulations. We are at a stage where we need to finalise financial closure, which will be submitted to PPPC.
“Once that is complete, construction will begin. Although we have the necessary funds, the process has caused some delays,” he said.
The project was officially introduced to President Lazarus Chakwera on August 1, 2024, during Mzuni’s 26th graduation ceremony.
Mzuni Students’ Council President Wesley Malekano expressed concern about the current accommodation situation at the university.
Only about 800 students are housed on campus, out of over 8,500 students enrolled.
“This is what we have been anticipating as students. Many students are living in conditions that do not meet acceptable standards, far from the university library, internet facilities and classes. This negatively impacts our studies,” he said.
Earlier, Mzuni Vice Chancellor Wales Singini said some of the existing hostels have exceeded their intended lifespan.
According to the agreement, the consortium will operate the hostels for 35 years before transferring them to the university.
The new facilities will feature 4,500 double occupancy rooms in a five-storey building, 200 single occupancy rooms, 20 self-contained single occupancy rooms and six villa apartments.
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