Kigamboni VETA college to open some programmes next month

KIGAMBONI: THE construction of Kigamboni Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) College has reached 85 per cent, with some training programmes expected to begin in November.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Hussein Mohamed Omar, expressed satisfaction with the progress over the weekend, during an inspection visit to the project at Gezaulole, Somangila Ward, Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, on Friday.

“Looking at the classrooms, workshops and ongoing construction, we are confident that some courses can begin at the college in November,” he said.

Dr Omar urged VETA to ensure the college benefits surrounding communities economically, calling on the authority to keep municipal leaders, particularly councillors, informed about the project so they can encourage young people to enrol once training begins.

He also advised the project team to install rainwater harvesting systems to address potential water shortages linked to climate change.

The deputy permanent secretary further called for energy-efficient designs, including appropriate use of fans and air conditioners, and tree planting in open spaces to improve the environment and reduce energy consumption.

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VETA Director General, CPA Anthony Kasore, said the project was being implemented through the force account method by the Dar es Salaam Regional Vocational Education and Services Centre under VETA headquarters’ supervision.

He said construction began on May 26, 2023, with the first phase involving 19 buildings at a cost of 3.2bn/- . The second phase comprises five buildings estimated at 1.17bn/-, bringing the total to 24 buildings.

Upon completion, the college will accommodate 675 students pursuing long-term courses and 2,000 undertaking short-term training.

Boarding facilities will accommodate 320 students, with equal places for boys and girls.

Mr Kasore said training could begin before all construction works are completed, noting that a short course in basic driving has already started at the college.

One of the trainees, Frank Mrupe, said students were receiving both theoretical and practical driving lessons, urging other young people to seize the opportunity to acquire vocational skills.