UNZASU praises HH: “K5,850 accommodation allowance a big achievement”

LUSAKA – The University of Zambia Students' Union (UNZASU) has hailed President Hakainde Hichilema's recent announcement to significantly increase the student accommodation allowance, describing it as a landmark achievement for tertiary education in Zambia. The allowance, which students rely on for off-campus housing, has been raised from K3,900 to K5,850, with the new rate taking immediate effect. This move has been widely welcomed by the student body, who have long grappled with the escalating costs of living and accommodation in the capital city. UNZASU Vice-President Jemimah Mwaba, speaking on Diamond TV's Breakfast Show, underscored the profound impact of this increment. She stated that the decision marks a pivotal moment in the history of student welfare, directly addressing the financial pressures faced by many students struggling to secure decent housing. Mwaba highlighted that the increase was particularly crucial given that the university itself had adjusted its accommodation fees, making the previous allowance insufficient. This development is also seen as a fulfillment of a promise made during her own campaign for the UNZASU vice-presidency. President Hichilema, in his announcement, reaffirmed his government's unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of university students and making higher education more accessible and affordable. He emphasized that the increase is part of broader efforts, which include the restoration of meal allowances and the ongoing Free Education Policy. The President also took the opportunity to inspect the construction of four 400-bed space hostels at UNZA, projects that had been stalled for over 13 years. He urged contractors to expedite their completion, noting that a conducive learning environment is paramount for academic success. The Head of State's engagement with students also touched upon the broader challenges within the education sector, including land encroachments hindering expansion and the need for modern i