LUNSEMFWA Hydro Power Company has donated over $100,000 worth of laboratory equipment to the University of Zambia (UNZA) School of Engineering.

A 30 piece set of electronic laboratory equipment was donated under the auspices of Education Partnership in Africa (EPA) and it is meant to improve the quality of teaching and research facilities in the school.

Speaking at the Handover ceremony at UNZA Great East Road Campus, the Minister of Education, Science, Vocational training and Early Childhood, Dr John Phiri said that the equipment will improve the teaching and learning services in the School of Engineering.

Dr.Phiri said the gesture by Lunsemfwa will in turn translate into increased production and competitive costs, adding that it will also greatly improve the scientific research capabilities in the University.

He also commended organizations that have funded the EPA project and urged them to continue supporting the University.

Meanwhile, UNZA Vice Chancellor Stephen Simukanga said that through such efforts from the industry, the institution will continue to offer quality education that will benefit the industry and the nation at large.

Professor Simukanga said the School of Engineering was part of many networks that seek to offer E-learning opportunities, but lack of access to high technology and connectivity had hampered the progress of these programmes.

“With this donation, computer simulation offline and online are possible via internet and our capacity to offer up to date learning facilities will be enhanced”, he said.

Speaking at the same occasion, Lunsemfwa Hydro Managing Director Katai Kachasa said that his organization was compelled to donate to UNZA as they realized that the institution was in great need of modern technology.

Mr.Kachasa said that he will be instrumental in defending the legacy of UNZA as a place that offered so much satisfaction in terms of academics, and that all the Alumni should come on board to support such a cause.

He explained that Lunsemfwa will for the next three years support the programme by donating assorted technological equipment as a way of contributing to efforts of producing best Engineers.

And the Dean in the School of Engineering Z.Phiri said that the donation by Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Company will go a long way and that UNZA was grateful for the gesture.

Dr.Phiri said that his School seeks to improve the quality of learning by improving the capacity of technical support, research and consultation with the Zambian industry.

Among the officials present was the permanent secretary in the ministry of education, Norwegian Ambassador to Zambia, veteran engineers and members of staff from the school of engineering.