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Water crisis looms at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ)
Zimbabwe National Students Union (ZINASU)
September 23, 2009

Mkoba Teachers College

The Principal announced on Monday 20 September that funds for the cadetship programme have finally been availed to the college by the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education. It is surprising that students who applied for the funds are still expected to pay their tuition fees in cash, a move that is contrary to the main objective of the cadetship scheme which is meant to assist those who cannot afford to pay the high tuition fees charged at the college. The cadetship programme is a last minute attempt by Government to make education accessible to all. ZINASU calls for the review of the strict, and too binding conditions of the cadetship scheme, for example the scheme bonds a beneficiary to work for the Government for the same number of years one was supported. Such a provision violates freedom of employment and occupation, in light of the fact that the very same Government that is offering the scheme is charging exorbitant fees beyond the reach of many, leaving many less privileged students with no choice except to apply for the scheme.

Water Crisis looms at the University of Zimbabwe (UZ)

Water challenges at UZ have continued to haunt the largest institution of higher learning in Zimbabwe. The college has been faced with water problems since last year and UNICEF assisted through drilling four boreholes. However it is reported that only one of the four boreholes is functioning properly.

The situation is posing a health hazard to more than 13 000 students at the institution. The challenge has delayed the opening of halls of residence that has seen close to 4 000 students stranded having to look for alternative accommodation elsewhere.

The Registrar Mr. S. Chevo uttered that the water challenge is the major problem facing students, but it cannot be hidden that the greatest crisis facing students is that of the exorbitant fees ranging between USD400 - 900. ZINASU urges the Harare City Council and the UNICEF to take the issue as a matter of urgency in ensuring that sanity prevails at the college.

Solusi University

ZINASU has received with dismay news that college authorities at Solusi University have barred students from bringing extra food from home. The college does not offer meat as part of the diet and the inadequate food supply had forced students to bring extra food from outside to supplement the poor diet.

The college is a Seventh Day Adventist institution and students have over the years complained of stringent rules and regulations for example it is compulsory for every student to attend church service every Sunday and that students have to apply and get a pass in order to leave campus failure to abide will result in stiff penalties.

Many students who go for University education are adults some of them already parents and it puzzles to note that these adults are treated like toddlers who are not responsible enough and cannot make independent decisions. Alcohol intake is prohibited at the institution and lectures start as early as 6am which is way too early for many students who would have slept late studying. A normal working day in most countries starts at 8am. ZINASU calls upon the University authorities to run the institution more professionally as the college has a wide diverse of students from different backgrounds and age groups.

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