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Re-opening of University of Zimbabwe halls of residence
Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe (SCMZ)
September 21, 2011

The University of Zimbabwe finally opened the halls of residence during the 2011 first academic year, starting on the 5th of September 2011 after almost five years of closure (from July 2007). This came as a relief to most students, as this issue had caused too much conflict between the university management and the student body. The students were living under very poor conditions, as some of them were living in garages turned rooms. The problem was mainly caused by the fact that the university is situated in a low density area, were there is no one room renting culture. This made the situation worse as students had to overcrowd in a room, and in some cases indulging in sexual activities with gardeners in return for accommodation. This had forced most students to reside in high density areas were accommodation is easily available and also affordable. This was also a challenge as the transport cost was too much for the students .The university students therefore applauded the vice chancellor and his team for the reopening of the halls of residence.

They were renovated, repainted and the water problem was solved through the sinking of a water storage tank. The authorities are still in the process of sinking the second storage tank. So far, there has not been any water problem as water is highly accessible even on top floors. However, the fees are still too high ($600.00 per semester) which is unaffordable for most students, considering that the majority of the students come from peasantry backgrounds. Worse more the residents' matrons treat them like high school students. The doors are locked at 10.30 pm everyday including weekends. Not so long ago, when the University used to be a tertiary institution, the doors were locked at 10.30 pm during weekdays only, and at midnight every weekend. There is definitely no entertainment what so ever, no television, no radio nothing. Surely with amounts of money these students pay, the authorities can afford to buy televisions for each residence. They should try and improve on the entertainment part because young people cannot leave without it. The Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe calls for the authorities to push the Ministry to pay for the residence fees through the cadet system, as most of the students cannot afford it. Despite the fact that the halls of residence can accommodate over 4 300 students, only two halls have been occupied and they are not even full to capacity. This clearly testifies that though plausible a gesture, the opening of the UZ halls is a mere minuscule move being used by the authorities to hoodwink students from demanding their rightful access to affordable education. Dishearteningly, most students are still living under those horrible conditions in nearby areas such as Mount Pleasant and Avondale.

Ultimately, only the privileged students can rejoice on the reopening of the halls of residence as they are the only ones who are benefiting from them. Till when the students of Zimbabwe shall continue to suffer while politicians amass more than they need, under the banner of the much-eulogised Government of National Unity! As SCMZ we shall remain resolute in defending the cause of the poor for the Holy Bible says, "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed", Psalm 82:3.

Visit the Student Christian Movement of Zimbabwe fact sheet

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