Unam students to build own hostels The student leadership of the University of Namibia''s Oshakati campus gave the management of the institution until 28 February next year to respond to their accommodation needs or else they will construct shacks on nearby campus land.About 100 students at the campus yesterday demonstrated, carrying placards and chanting that they want hostel accommodation. They said they are tired of falling victim to criminals who rob them when they walk long distances to and from campus.
The students also said that they are forced to pay exorbitant rent.
The petition, which was addressed to Unam vice-chancellor Lazarus Hangula, was read on behalf of the students by the Student Representative Council vice-president, Willem Kanyondi.
The petition was accepted by Paulina Uugwanga, the pro vice-chancellor of the campus, who commended the students for behaving in a professional manner. She promised that the petition would reach its intended recipient.
Apart from the petition the student leaders also presented their strategic plan which will be implemented if the response by management is not satisfactory.
“The management should provide favourable, written feedback before or on 28 February 2017. Should the students not be satisfied with such feedback the institution will pay for all student valuable items (laptops, watches, cellphones) lost for the past three years,” Kanyondi said.
“Students at Oshakati campus will take drastic measures to erect shacks on university land where they will be living and attending classes from,” Kanyondi further said.
The students questioned why the Oshakati campus is the only one of 12 Unam satellite campuses countrywide which does not have hostel accommodation.
“The University of Namibia has failed us as students at the Oshakati campus in addressing the matter of a hostel for the past 18 years,” Kanyondi said.
According to the strategic plan by the student leadership, erecting shacks is not a threat, it is a response to the hostel issue.
Talking to Namibian Sun Unam Oshakati campus spokesperson Linus Hamunyela said the campus had made strides in addressing the issue as it acquired a piece of land opposite the campus about three years ago.
Hamunyela could not say when the Unam Oshakati campus will have its own hostel, but only that the institution is looking at a public-private partnership with an organisation which can construct a hostel for the students.
KENYA KAMBOWE