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The Lupane State University (LSU) has revealed that it is not getting enough funding from government for the full implementation of its programmes as an institution of higher learning.
LSU acting bursar, Smile Sibanda said the bulk of the funds they receive go towards paying rentals for the institution’s various offices in Bulawayo. Sibanda said the institution is paying over $40 000 per month in rentals.
“The money we are getting is not enough because the bulk of what we have financially is going towards rentals for our offices based at the National Railways of Zimbabwe Training Centre, the Zimdef training centre and Pioneer House in Bulawayo instead of being channelled towards educational facilities,” Sibanda said.
The bursar further said it is sad that Lupane villagers in Matabeleland North are yet to benefit from programmes being offered by the institution due to the fact that it is currently operating from Bulawayo.
“This is heavily affecting the service that we intend to give to the community of Matebeleland North particularly to the people of Lupane, the sooner we move to our designated area, the better.”
Sibanda said the higher education institution has been operating from Bulawayo since 2005 as it awaits the completion of its campus in Lupane. He said plans are underway to ensure the completion of the Faculty of Agriculture before this year’s graduation ceremony provisionally set for November 16.
Finance Minister Tendai Biti in his 2012 budget presentation allocated $7.7million for LSU’s Faculty of Agriculture while the institution is set to benefit a residence hall from a $30million facility allocated to four state universities in 2010.
