Graduare will use the land to construct a hotel, trade centre and business park THE University of Zambia, Great East Road Main campus, has entered into a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Graduare Property Development Limited in order to undertake a three in one infrastructure development project.
University of Zambia (UNZA) Public Relations Manager Mulenga Musepa told the Lusaka Star in an interview that this project was the first of its kind in UNZA’s history.
He revealed that about 12 hectares of land had been given to Graduare Property Development Limited for the construction of a hotel, trade centre and a business park.
“UNZA and Graduare Property Development Limited Signed the MoU in January this year. This is the first ever Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of its kind to be signed and it will greatly benefit UNZA, its students and the nearby Community as well,” he said.
The Public Relations Manager explained that UNZA has been divided into a number of areas that are earmarked for the development of different infrastructure such as hostels, a student centre, staff housing and offices for ZAMNET.
Mr. Musepa revealed that UNZA would soon advertise for the development of vacant pieces of land within UNZA.
He stated that the project, once completed, would be a source of income for the institution.
However, some UNZA students have received the development of a hotel, Business Park and trade centre within campus with mixed feelings.
A second year student in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Karma Jawara, told the Lusaka Star that the project has more disadvantages than advantages.
She explained that even though the complex would save students time and money because of its location, security on campus would be compromised as many people, including non-students, would have access.
However Mr Musepa disagreed that security on campus would be compromised.
“When it comes to security, I think it will be enhanced once the facility is fully functional,” he said.
And a first year student in the School of Education ,Sirach Makumba, commended the UNZA Management for coming up with such an initiative.
Mr. Makumba noted that the complex would greatly benefit the students as they would be able to buy almost everything they need from the complex.