By William J. Mbangula Oshakati The Unam Northern Campus is currently constructing laboratories for physics, computers, biology and chemistry at a cost of N$10 million. The Northern Campus Communication and Marketing Officer, Linus Hamunyela, told New Era that the institution is rapidly developing in terms of infrastructure and programmes on offer. Said Hamunyela: “This is good news for students and staff members alike. It is expected to boost academic activities of the institution which in the past had to send students to the main campus in Windhoek to do their practical sessions.” Close to N$500ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 000 will be set aside to purchase laboratory equipment other than computers. Hamunyela noted that tenders were invited, and the successful bidder started construction work last October, and the expected date of completion is January 15, 2008. Office space has become one of the serious challenges facing the institution since its inception in 1998, with most of the staff members currently occupying small partition units in the old library or sharing other small offices in different blocks on the campus. Present construction work will also include 14 offices. The northern campus has recently seen the completion of the new lecture halls, state-of-the-art library and the storm water drainage system that has alleviated flooding problems occurring during the rainy seasons. As part of the storm project, a small amphitheatre was constructed between the Main Hall and new lecture halls. The reason for constructing the amphitheatre, said Hamunyela, was to create an area where students could meet, socialize and exchange ideas. Another infrastructure development related to this institution is the formalization of the campus for information technology and engineering, which is due to be established at Ongwediva. Recent information from Ongwediva Town Council reveals that actual work to service the land could commence soon. Unam Northern Campus has a student population of more than 3ÃÆ’Æ‘ÀÃ…ÃÆ”šÃ‚ 000 – nursing, science and English access courses making up the greatest number. The majority do their studies through distance education. For the first time this year, a B. Juris degree course was introduced.