Exciting infrastructure projects underway
THE University of Zululand (UNIZULU) recently held an event for the on-boarding of construction partners who will participate in a massive infrastructure project.
The event was held at the Richards Bay Campus. It brought together various role players and stakeholders. The partners have committed to the implementation of various segments of the infrastructure project and will embark on a process of developing concrete plans that will take the university through the first phase of implementation.
This is undoubtedly going to be one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken by UNIZULU.
In his address, Executive Director of Infrastructure, Thabani Mncwango – the driving force behind the project – expressed great excitement at the prospect of the initiative’s outcome.
“Today’s event brings together all the parties. It is a great achievement for us as a university. We don’t take this lightly. Nothing of this sort has been achieved in a very long time. It is gratifying to see the progress.
“We are excited about the prospect of working with you in a partnership to deliver on the promise of our vision and goals that are enshrined in our development framework, which is a guide document that speaks about where we are, where we have been and where we would like to be in years to come,” he said.
He added that in about 30 days, a soil turning event would take place to mark the official beginning of the implementation phase.
UNIZULU Vice-chancellor, Professor
Xoliswa Mtose thanked all the service providers for being a part of a programme that “marks a new chapter that will contribute towards the university’s progression”.
“I thank you wholeheartedly for being part of this programme. I ask you to approach your role as that of a nation builder, not merely a service provider. I besiege you to approach your assigned tasks with your eyes set not only on current users, but also on those of the future generations who will benefit from this great institution and the labour of your love that we will all be proud of,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the funders, Kay Mbayise said they were keen to ensure that the money given to the university is going to be well spent.
“The drawings for a range of major infrastructure projects – including the engineering building, dignified student accommodation, a new gate house and a state-of-the-art student centre – are ready to be handed over to the contractors to start. There is also an electrical update to be done to accommodate all of the new buildings planned for the future, as with
water, roads and the like.”