THE Government has handed over a borehole to the University of Zambia (UNZA) aimed at improving the water and sanitation system at the learning institution.
Water Development and Sanitation Minister Mike Mposha said the borehole which was constructed at a cost of K259,000 was facilitated by President Hakainde Hichilema.
President Hichilema visited the institution in May this year and observed that it was facing numerous challenges which included water supply and sanitation.
Mr Mposha, who is also Munali Member of Parliament, where the university was located, said the borehole was drilled and equipped for Tiyende Pamodzi hostel which accommodated 32 rooms.
“The President promised to work with the institution to restore it to its glorious days by improving the infrastructure at the facility which includes drilling a borehole. HH pledged that the Government would work with the UNZA council and the union to ensure that the challenges were addressed quickly,” Mr Mposha said.
He said investing in water infrastructure was part of the process of improving the education standards at institutions of higher learning to create an enabling environment for learners.
Education Minister Douglas Siakalima said the university had been facing numerous challenges which could only be resolved in a multi-sectoral integrated approach.
He said the problems experienced at UNZA were similar to other learning institutions across the country and appealed to the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation to continue collaborating with his ministry to address water problems methodically.
Mr Siakalima appealed to the students to guard the facilities jealously and use them as their own and cultivate a culture of maintenance so that other people going to use the facilities could appreciate them.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company managing director Jilly Chiyombwe said the project had cost K259,000 including the drilling of the borehole, installation of tanks and equipping the borehole.
UNZA Vice-Chancellor Michael Chilala said the water facility would provide a conducive learning environment for the students.
He assured the two ministers that UNZA management and the council would work together to ensure that some challenges at the higher learning institution were addressed using funds generated by the university.
