THE GOVERNMENT is finalising procedures of implementing long-standing plans to turn Epoch Nickel Mine infrastructure in Filabusi into a university college, amid complainants by some sections that the site is not strategic and too remote. REPORT BY SILAS NKALA
The idea of having Epoch mine turned into a university campus was mooted sometime in 2004.
A 2 500h farm was made available for the university in Insiza district, while Epoch Mine buildings were to serve as a university college campus.
The programme stalled after some stakeholders in Matabeleland South described Epoch Mine as unsuitable for a tertiary institution.
Officials privy to the goings on at the mine in Filabusi yesterday said it appeared the government had since started working on the project.
“The district administrator’s office has since employed some general hands who are clearing the premises,” an official said on condition of anonymity.
The official said staff houses at the mine were now being converted into lecturers’ houses and tenants presently occupying the quarters faced eviction.
“It appears the intention is to have the learning institution operational soon, maybe when schools open next term,” the officials said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Matabeleland South Zanu PF chairman and MP elect for Insiza North, Andrew Langa confirmed the developments, saying workers were busy putting upfinal touches at the mine.
“That project is for Zanu PF,” he said.
“We mooted it long back and it is not that because we have won the elections that we are now implementing it.
“It was in our plans long since. It will open next month and as we speak, people are busy cleaning and making final touches to get it ready for operation.”
Langa said all the necessary facilities were in place for the university college to function and lecturers and students must have confidence that they would get a proper and convenient learning and lecturing environment at the new institution.
Matabeleland South provincial administrator Midard Khumalo said the project would operate under the National University of Science and Technology (Nust).
“Contact Nust it is their project. They will tell you something,” he added.
Efforts to get comment from Nust were fruitless, as the institution’s spokesperson Felix Moyo’s mobile phone was off.
Epoch Mine, which used to employ more than 900 workers and was owned by Anglo-America, started operating in 1974, before it was decommissioned in 1998. Twitter feedback @silasnkala
