THE Lupane State University (LSU) relocation from its temporary base in Bulawayo to the Matabeleland North capital scheduled for July now hangs in the balance after Treasury failed to release funding.
BY NQOBANI NDLOVU
The university, which had its first intake almost 10 years ago, has been operating from the National University of Science and Technology and rented buildings in Bulawayo.
Higher and Tertiary Education deputy minister Godfrey Gandawa in February told Parliament that all measures had been put in place to ensure the university would relocate to Lupane, and gave July as the deadline.
However, Zwelithini Dlamini, the LSU public relations officer told Southern Eye the relocation was in doubt due to inadequate funding.
“We are still hoping that something would happen around that time, but it all depends on government funding which is, however, not available,” he said in an interview.
“We still hope that it would be possible to get the required funding in time.”
Dlamini did not have statistics on how much would be required for the university to relocate to Lupane.
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However, indications are that over $1 million is required for the provision of accommodation for staff and students, and to ensure the institution is equipped with appropriate amenities.
LSU was in 2013 forced to hold fundraising activities locally and in the Diaspora to raise the relocation funds.
The government, battling varying challenges all related to a cash-crunch, has allowed universities to seek partnerships with the private sector through public-private-partnerships to enable them to carry out various projects.
Acting LSU vice-chancellor, Getrude Nyakutse last year said the institution had purchased residential stands for academic and non-academic staff as it began a phased process of relocating to Matabeleland North province.
LSU would be the first higher education institution to be based in the province.
