The University of Zambia (UNZA) Ridgeway Campus has received a donation of 200 mattresses from the area's Member of Parliament, Honourable Mulambo Haimbe SC, who also serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The handover ceremony, held at the campus, highlighted the pressing challenges faced by the student body. Honourable Haimbe stated that the donation, valued at K200,000, was a direct response to the difficulties students are enduring.
“My office is aware of the numerous problems the students are grappling with, such as shortages of accommodation, poor sanitation, and a lack of recreation facilities, among others,” the Minister said.
He explained that his office is working tirelessly to address these issues through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and personal initiatives. However, he acknowledged that the mattress donation alone was insufficient.
“This is just a drop in the ocean considering the many challenges the students are facing,” Hon. Haimbe noted. “We promise to do more, resources allowing.”
University authorities welcomed the support. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Professor Boniface Namangala, thanked the Minister for the “timely donation” and extended the university’s gratitude to the government for its broader response to institutional needs, including the revival of long-stalled student hostel projects.
The Acting Dean of Students, Mr. Christopher Habbuno, echoed these sentiments, emphasising that students are in dire need of assistance across multiple areas and that such gestures make a significant difference.
Student leadership also voiced appreciation while outlining ongoing priorities. Mr. Ephraim Chifunda, President of the University of Zambia Students Union (UNZASU) for Ridgeway Campus, said the donation was critically timed.
He further appealed to the Minister to urgently assist with other infrastructure needs, including sinking a borehole to address water shortages and rehabilitating dilapidated shower rooms.
The event underscored a collaborative push to improve student welfare at the campus, with legislative representation pledging continued advocacy and practical support.