By EMMANUEL ZIMBA –
THE Road Development Agency (RDA) has donated laboratory equipment and a motor vehicle worth K5.2 million to the school of engineering at the University of Zambia (UNZA).
The equipment is meant to enhance quality training for engineering students at the country’s largest learning institution by offering good laboratory services to the public.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Lusaka yesterday RDA board chairperson Samuel Mukupa said Agency also planned to establish a civil engineering laboratory at a cost of about K2.9 million at the Great East Road Campus.
Mr Mukupa said the laboratory which would act as materials centre, will be jointly managed by the RDA and the UNZA management.
The RDA has engaged a Consultant, Civilstrunts Consulting Engineers in associate with Prism Architects which has already commenced with the design services.
“The equipment and vehicle were procured through a loan provided by the international Development Association of the world bank at a cost of approximately US$600,000,” he said.
Mr Mukupa disclosed that the laboratory equipment would assist the university in areas of research and development as well as testing of materials to ensure compliance with standards.
UNZA acting vice chancellor Enala Mwase in a speech read by Professor Miki Mwala thanked RDA for helping the institution with the equipment.
She said management of the UNZA was greatly indebted to the RDA for demonstrating to the corporate sector that there was no limit to the extent of support that UNZA could receive.
“I take this opportunity to urge our contractors in road construction to take full commercial advantage of this state of the art equipment as it will help improve the quality of works on our roads,” she said