By Santos Zefania and Patience Longwe:
Government has provided K5 billion for the rehabilitation of five hostels at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), which has been provided through the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP).
Speaking to the team of journalists that visited the school on Wednesday, PSIP Team Leader at MUBAS, Dr Rodwell Bakolo, said the hostels were in a dilapidated state that could not fit a higher education institution standard.
Dr Bakolo said the full refurbishment that has been done could not have been possible without support from the government, adding the exercise has improved living standards for students at the school.
“The rehabilitation went as far as procuring new beds and mattresses, more or less like bringing everything new in all five hostels, knowing that students also need good accommodation. We assure government that we will take care of these hostels.
“As MUBAS, we are thankful to the government for the support we have been receiving. I must say we still need more hostels, as only 11 percent of our students stay at the school-owned hostels. Government cannot do this alone; we need more sponsors, and the school is open for negotiations,” said Dr Bakolo, who is also head of the electrical engineering department.
He said the school will continue providing students with improved living conditions that will enhance their academic experience.
Bakolo added.” The institution has considered the needs of students with disabilities, incorporating special facilities and well-designed rooms to ensure equal access to education. The University’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility reflects its dedication to providing a supportive learning environment for all students.
Secretary for Higher Education, Dr Levis Eneya said government appreciates and fully supports the ongoing efforts by universities in addressing the critical issues of student accommodation.
Dr Eneya commended MUBAS for its initiative to rehabilitate existing hostel facilities, saying the undertaking is not only timely but also essential in creating a safe, comfortable, and conducive environment for academic success.
“As part of the Ministry’s broader commitment to promoting girls’ education, we are especially pleased with the refurbishment of female hostels at MUBAS. This marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to empower young women through access to quality education.
“The Ministry remains firmly committed to support the construction of additional hostels in all public universities in the country. We are also calling upon the private sector and individuals to come forward, taking advantage of the government’s deliberate policy to waive duty on construction materials for hostels in higher education institutions. Our objective is to alleviate the accommodation challenges experienced by many students while ensuring that student welfare and safety are prioritised,” he said.
He said his Ministry will continue to work in close collaboration with universities and other stakeholders to guarantee that every student—regardless of background—has access to a secure, dignified, and supportive educational environment.
