The University of Namibia requires N$125 million to complete phases two and three of the construction of its campus in Keetmanshoop.
This was revealed during the site visit by the Minister of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture, Sanet Steenkamp.
The first phase of construction, which included lecture halls and laboratories, was completed in 2023 on a 60-hectare land donated by the Keetmanshoop Municipality.
Phases two and three of construction include a N$68 million multipurpose research centre, a N$17 million administrative building, and lecture halls estimated at N$40 million.
"They have allocated enough space for the university to grow Keetmanshoop's Southern Campus. That land is a lot. It can accommodate all those programmes, as he highlighted, and is strategically located between NIMT and VTC on the other side. So that the opportunity for translation into university programmes is possible. Provided we hold hands and talk to one another," said Professor Ellen Namhila, UNAM Pro-Vice Chancellor.
The education minister noted that only 4% of the N$24.8 billion education sector budget is allocated for infrastructure development.
"We will do things differently from now on. Everyone will sit around the table, and we will have an integrated approach towards budgeting. Because there is a difference between putting forward your budget and receiving an allocation. This, what we have seen here, this excellent presentation, must always be seen in the context of the whole campuses and the needs they have, alright?"
Steenkamp acknowledged that the N$55 million budget allocation to UNAM for infrastructure development was insufficient.
However, she was also quick to caution against a fragmented approach to infrastructure development.
"You put a very strong case forward, and I really acknowledge the challenges. And I also want you to acknowledge that N$24.8 billion and insufficient funds have been allocated for higher education and innovation. It's another acknowledgement. And knowing that we made this acknowledgement, and with this kind of robust engagement where we sit around the table where we discuss issues, we can only move forward."
Minister Steenkamp urged UNAM management to directly discuss the budget with the ministry.