MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-Paramount Holdings Limited (PHL) has assured authorities to complete the construction of the prestigious Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa University’s (IMMU) girls hostel within 18 months as per contract agreement.

The assurance comes after Education Minister Wirima Kambauwa toured the site on Monday, January 8, 2024 in Mzimba district.

PHL is one of the contractors awarded for the construction of the university formerly known Mombera University which was abandoned for years after former President Peter Mutharika presided over the project’s ground-breaking ceremony in 2015.

This comes as the project did not see the light of the day as it was later abandoned.

Only tar mark roads en-route to the site were constructed and are in use.

PHL Executive Director Prakashi Virjl Ghedia said his firm is ready with resources including construction materials and manpower to complete the project within the project’s time frame of 18 months.

Ghedia however observes that late project completion comes when authorities do not provide funding in time.

“We were given an MK8.7 billion contract to construct hostels will be housed in a five storey building. Currently, we are doing bush clearing of the site, importing construction materials and purchasing local materials.

“With funding availability in time, we are the public to complete the construction work of the hostel in June next year as per plans,” assures Ghedia.

Community members in Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa in Mzimba have expressed excitement with the resumption of construction work of M’mbelwa University in the district.

The communities members expressed their happiness on Thursday during a media tour that was organized to appreciate the project’s progress.

One of the community members, Benjamin Chirwa said the resumption of the works is a relief to them as it has potential to boost people’s businesses and their livelihood through the jobs that will be created as works continue.

“The resumption of the works for the institution is crucial because many young people will be employed and we expect business boom in our area upon the university completion. This has been long overdue,” excited Chirwa.

Education Minister Kambauwa expressed excitement over the project resumption lauding President Lazarus Chakwera’s Tonse Alliance government for meeting Malawians expectations in promoting Higher learning education.

“I’m impressed with the start of the project that it will bring a number of of opportunities to young people for quality education while also employing many people around the facility.

“We expect to enrol first intake in August 2025 for school of basic sciences, later with animals sciences general programs,” excited the Minister.

About MK450 billion has been earmarked for the full completion of IMMU within three years that come 2027

The university is for animal sciences studies and programmes that upon completion will accommodate 10, 000 learners.