KATIMA MULILO – The University of Namibia Katima Mulilo campus is set to extend its campus following the site handover to pave way for the construction of a Wildlife Management and Ecotourism campus.

Speaking at the site handover on Tuesday, Unam vice chancellor professor Kenneth Matengu stated that the town of Katima Mulilo is considered the centre of the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), which he says, makes it an ideal place to host a department of wildlife and tourism.

“It will become the part-time home for many enthusiastic students from Namibia, SADC and the African continent to study, research and make a meaningful contribution to sustainable wildlife management and conservation of biodiversity in Southern Africa,” said Matengu. He added that the construction will be financed by the German Development Bank (KfW) to the tune of 10 million euros, about N$178 million towards the first phase, which will go towards state of the art infrastructure, equipment and capacity building measures. “This project will generate employment not only during construction, but in the long term. Besides the job opportunities within Unam, it will have a positive impact on the economy of Zambezi region, through international promotion and recognition of the region,” stated Matengu.

In a speech read on his behalf, Zambezi governor Lawrence Sampofu thanked the management of Unam for the decision to construct the campus in Zambezi.

 “I have confidence that this unique location of wildlife campus will give researchers and students alike access to KAZA,” said Sampofu. Construction is expected to start in the next two weeks, and is set to be completed within 24 months.

 Once completed, the infrastructure will comprise dry and wet laboratories, lecture halls, a modern library, offices for academic and administrative staff as well as a cafeteria and space for students wellbeing.