The University of Zambia (UNZA) says it is constructing two modern lecture theaters using funds being generated from East Park Mall.
UNZA Public Relations Officer Damaseke Chibale said the university is internally generating funds from the rentals it is getting from the Mall for the aforementioned infrastructure development project.
Mr. Chibale said the amount was given in an advance payment of 3 million dollars which the institution used to curb the challenge of lecture theatres currently being faced.
East Park Mall gives UNZA about 5 perrcent of the total revenue collected from rentals , so this is the money we have ploughed back to continuously improve the development of infrastructure like lecture theaters so that our students sit comfortably during lectures,” he said.
Mr. Chibale revealed that the two lecture theaters will each have a seating capacity of between 350-400 students.
He said the lecture theatres which will also include office spaces for lecturers are expected to be completed and be ready for use by mid next year .
“We have a number of applicants who want to come but we cannot get everyone because of the limited capacity in terms of accommodation as well as lecture theaters,” he said.
In 2013 The University of Zambia (UNZA) signed a Private Public Partnership (PPP) agreement with Gradual Property Development which included the construction of East Park Shopping Mall, commercial offices and a hotel within the university premises.
The partnership is based on a lease agreement that guarantees the institution an opportunity to develop more infrastructure like lecture theatres, laboratories and hostels.