PS calls for regulation of projects near campuses

DODOMA: THE government has directed stakeholders to ensure that investments taking place near 16 newly established university campuses under the National HEET Project countrywide comply with urban planning regulations, safety requirements, and national standards.

The directive intends to prevent unplanned development and ensure that services provided meet the needs of students, staff, and surrounding communities.

Speaking in Dodoma recently, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Prof Daniel Mushi, said that councils and local government authorities should allocate land and prepare land-use plans in collaboration with the respective universities.

Prof Mushi emphasised that such plans must adhere to national urban planning standards and eliminate conflicts in land use.

The Deputy PS also directed universities to open doors for private sector through formal public-private partnerships (PPPs) in the construction of hostels, commercial centres, and specialised infrastructure.

He noted that regular consultations between universities and local governments are essential to harmonise development plans and foster an investment-friendly environment.

Additionally, the private sector has been urged to ensure that the services they provide respond to the real needs of communities, with due regard to safety, quality, and social responsibility.

On his part, the National HEET Project Coordinator, Dr Kenneth Hosea, said that in addition to offering undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, the new campuses will also focus on providing practical skills to youth, women, and special groups.

This initiative, Dr Hosea noted, aims to stimulate social and economic development in peripheral areas through infrastructure development, improved access to basic services, and the creation of employment opportunities.

Dr Hosea further added that each campus is expected to initially enrol more than 1,000 students, with the number projected to rise to approximately 7,000 students over time.

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Mkinga District Executive Director, Rashid Karim Gembe, said that the establishment of new higher learning campuses in peripheral areas has brought significant economic and social benefits.

He noted that the initiative will spur the development of services and infrastructure such as roads, water, and electricity, increase access to basic services, and create employment opportunities for citizens through demand from lecturers, students, and the private sector thereby contributing significantly to community welfare and the economic development of the respective areas.

HEET project finances the implementation of institution specific University Strategic Investment Plans (USIPs) that detail activities to meet the strategic objectives of improving the learning environment at the institution and enhancing the labour market alignment of priority degree programmes.

About 260 priority degree programmes are expected to be supported under the project.

The USIP activities are organized into three internally-focused areas to improve teaching and learning and three externally-focused areas to strengthen research and industry linkages.

Areas to improve teaching and learning include renovation and/or construction of energy efficient infrastructure including lecture halls, laboratories and workshops that promote accessibility for those with disabilities and address gender considerations and safety concerns.

Other areas are capacity building of academic staff and university leadership including awareness on emerging environment issues and teaching and advising students with disabilities and (curriculum review and reform, which will include introduction of innovative pedagogy and responsiveness to growing climate change issues.