Build boarding facilities at community college—minister

 Minister of Labour Agnes NyaLonje says there is need to include boarding facilities and tutors houses at Lura Community Tachincal College in Rumphi District.

She said this on Tuesday after inspecting the college to learn more on what is needed to make it operational.

In an interview, NyaLonje said the college’s location necessitates construction of tutors’ houses and boarding facilities for students.

She said: “There are works that need to be done which were not in the original plan. Apparently, the initial planning for technical colleges did not include other essential things. For example, this college is in an isolated place.

“We need electricity, running water and accommodation for teachers and students. These are key things that require a significant budget, but were not planned for because they were overlooked at the beginning.”

NyaLonje said they were exploring various options of funding the extra works, including utilising part of Governance to Enable Service Delivery funds allocated to Rumphi District Council in consultation with the council.

Rumphi District Council chairperson Harry Munyenyembe said boarding facilities will ensure that people from distant areas in the district get the opportunity to learn at the institution.

Construction of Lura Community Tachincal College started in 2018 and is expected to enrol up to 200 students into various vocational and technical courses.

At least K1 billion has been spent on the project