- 1. Background and Rationale
Since independence in 1980, the Government of Zimbabwe has prioritized education for all as a policy stance. Significant milestones were achieved under this initiative with the country’s literacy rate peaking at 97.6% in 2014 (ZimStats, 2016). Between 1997 and 2012, the number of universities increased from 8 to 16 through the establishment of several state-owned and private universities across the country. During the same period, the national student enrolment more than trebled from 19,285 to 60,155. This growth was however not accompanied by a corresponding growth in the necessary infrastructure such as learning facilities and student hostels. The 2017 figures show that universities had 107,000 students of which 80,250 required affordable university accommodation.
One of the Universities established in the post-independence period is the Lupane State University (LSU). LSU is a relatively young University whose growth cycle is still incomplete implying that the enrolment figures are likely to increase as the University matures. The current student enrolment is 3,164. Out of this only 676 (64.7% females: 35.3% males) are accommodated in on-campus accommodation facilities at the Lupane Campus. There is therefore an excess demand of 2,493 beds. This number is set to increase as the University continues to grow. The Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe (IDBZ) seeks to address this student accommodation shortage through construction of affordable off-site students’ hostels through a Special Purpose Vehicle, Campus Oasis (Pvt) Limited (‘Campus Oasis’). Campus Oasis shall ensure the efficient and effective implementation and operation of the accommodation facilities. The proposed project is in line with the IDBZ’s Housing sector policy which focuses on infrastructure development, financing, and project management.
The proposed Students Accommodation Complex involves the construction of a student hostel block inclusive of extension of existing services (water, roads & electricity) to service the new facilities, adequate to accommodate a minimum of one thousand (1,000). The individual rooms have the capacity to house two (2) occupants at base capacity. Three warden houses will also be constructed.
The proposed project is a prescribed activity in terms of the Environmental Management Act [Chapter 20:27]. It should thus be preceded by the preparation of a prospectus report and a detailed Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) study. This requirement is also in line with IDBZ’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Management System (ESSMS) and is meant to enhance project sustainability during both the construction and operation phases. The prospectus report was prepared and submitted to EMA on 2 June 2021. The Agency subsequently responded to the prospectus submission and confirmed that an ESIA study is indeed required for the project.
The project’s outcomes include increased access to affordable accommodation, clean water, sanitation services, electricity, and communication infrastructure for at least one thousand (1,000) students. The impacts of the project include:
- Improvement in the standard of living – Students’ accommodation brings in convenience, security and influences students’ growth and positive behaviours.
- Creation of employment - In an environment with low levels of formal employment, the project comes as great relief to many unemployed and marginalised groups such as youths, women and people living with disabilities etc. The project will create several temporary and permanent jobs in the community during the construction and operation phases.
- Gender and Empowerment - Students in residence are surrounded by people with similar goals of succeeding in life. This atmosphere has a positive effect on students. Distractions are less especially for girls, also commutation times and expenses are reduced.
- Enhanced national economic performance from payment of levies and taxes to the local authority and Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
Download (353.2 KB)