By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, January 8, Mana: Minister of Education Madalitso Kambauwa-Wirima says Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’belwa University in Mzimba is set to open its doors in August 2025 with an initial intake of 500 students.

According to Wirima, the university, formerly known as Mombera, will comprise school of basic sciences, school of veterinary medicine and school of animal science.

Speaking on Monday in Mzimba during a tour of the construction site, Wirima said first phase of construction works that have started at the site will complete in June 2025.

The phase comprises construction of school of basic sciences plus its ancillary structure, consisting of administration blocks, hostels, staff houses, cafeteria, auditorium, multipurpose hall, sports facilities, clinic, commercial complex and waste management systems.

‘‘The university’s construction works will be done in phases till its total completion in 2027. The first phase includes construction of two hostels. These are female and male hostels and will take 18 months. The companies constructing these hostels, Dec Construction company and Paramount Holdings Limited, are expected to complete the construction by June 2025,’’ said Wirima.

Wirima said government is committed and serious to see the construction works of the K190 billion first phase completed so that the first cohort of students starts learning next year.

The cost for the entire university construction, expected to complete in 2027, is pegged at K450 billion and the university will have an enrolment capacity of 10,000 students, according to Wirima.

She said government will ensure funds are made available to ensure works are not interrupted.

Wirima further said that construction and completion of the university will help government in absorbing huge volumes of students looking for university education opportunities.

Managing Director for Paramount Holdings Limited, Prakash Ghedia, said they are geared up for the works and assured the minister the construction works will be done to perfection by the deadline of June 2025.

District Commissioner for Mzimba, Rodney Simwaka, said the council is excited with the resumption of the construction works of the university, as it will help offer jobs to young people and also create business opportunities for people based in Mzimba.