By JAMES KUNDA –

CONSTRUCTION of new universities and upgrading of existing ones has reached advanced stages with the Government re-directing contractors to ensure that the works are done within the stipulated time frames.
Education Deputy Minister Sydney Mushanga said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the construction of the Mulakupikwa University was 95 per cent complete and the facility would be handed over to the Government in due course.
“The upgrade of Palabana, Chalimbana, Nkrumah and Mulungushi universities is at different stages and the works are on course.
“However, the contractor at Paul Mushindo in Chinsali needs to improve on the speed of the works and the Government has been categorical on this position because we want the youths in the area to benefit from this infrastructure,” he said.
He said the procurement stage for the construction of the King Lewanika University in Western Province and another similar facility in Luapula Province had reached advanced stages.
He said the phased programme of Government improving university infrastructure was aimed at increasing access to tertiary education for people countrywide.
Government would in the next phase put up universities in Northern, Southern, Eastern and North-Western provinces.
“These would however be done through the public private partnership because Government also values the participation of the private sector in the delivery of quality education,” he said.
Mr Mushanga said the recruitment of staff for the universities would commence after the infrastructure was handed over to the Government.