Realizing the fact that it is far from the Central Business District (CBD), Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) says is striving to be self-contained and reduce time for transactions between staff and students. Apart from Bunda Farm which is now a commercial entity, the University is currently constructing a commercial centre which will have a filing station as well.
According to the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor George Kanyama Phiri, the institution has put in place a lot of investment plans for these structures.
“We are investing over MK300 million in the construction of a shopping centre and a filling station which will help to generate some income,” said Professor Kanyama Phiri.
LUANAR’s Estate Development Officer (EDO), Mr Chimwemwe Nyirongo said the filling station will be ready this coming June.
“The project has two phases. The first one involves the construction of a filling station, police unit and an ablution block, said Mr Nyirongo.
He said the second phase will include construction of a business centre and a superette which will be rent out and this will be part of an income generating activity for the University.
“We are targeting banks to occupy the first floor of business centre while the top part is expected to be occupied by offices.
“There are so many projects which are housed here at Bunda Campus, and this business centre will provide an opportunity for them to have good offices,” said Mr Nyirongo.
Mr Nyirongo further said as part of the project the University is also constructing a grand opening gate which is expected to be ready by September 2016.
The grand gate which has been conceptualized by the EDO himself, who is an IBA chartered architect, will change Bunda Campus face.
“The project started last month and is expected to finish by September this year. LUANAR is likely to have its first congregation this year and we would like it to have a beautiful face,” said Mr Nyirongo.
LUANAR signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PUMA to supply for the filling station.