DODOMA Regional Commissioner Rosemary Senyamule has emphasised the need to observe quality, standards and time for the construction of University of Dodoma (UDOM)’s construction of lecture halls and science laboratory facilities to transform learning environment.

She made the remarks here yesterday during the signing ceremony of contracts under the Higher Education for Economic Transformation (HEET) Project.

 HEET Project Coordinator Prof Razack Lokina said that the first contract involves UDOM and M/S China Energy Engineering Group Jiangsu Electric Power Construction Co. Ltd., for the construction of a new laboratory building.

The modern laboratory at the College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences will be developed in two phases and will include chemistry, biology, physics, molecular biology and mathematics laboratories. “These laboratories will offer international standard facilities, enabling our students and scientists to conduct cutting-edge research and experiments,” he said.

The second contract, between UDOM and M/S Dematoclasa Realhope Limited JV Mponela Construction and Company Limited, pertains to the construction of a four-storey lecture hall building. This facility will house 16 halls with a total capacity for 3,716 students at the College of Earth Sciences and Engineering. Additionally, the building will feature 18 staff offices for 36 employees, two nursing rooms and two kitchen areas.

Prof Lokina said that the new facilities will significantly enhance research capabilities and expand the university's ability to provide high quality education. 

“They represent a major investment in Tanzania's future, acknowledging the crucial role of higher education in driving economic growth and social development. The improvements will benefit both students and faculty by offering state-of-the-art facilities for learning, teaching and research, thereby strengthening UDOM’s position as a premier institution of higher learning in Tanzania,” he said.

UDOM Vice Chancellor Prof. Lughano Kusiluka underscored the importance of timely completion of the projects, valued at over 46.17bn/-, within the 15-month timeframe. This will enable UDOM to increase student enrollment and provide world-class education that will prepare graduates to contribute to economic growth and social progress. 

“The impact of these developments on our university, students and nation is profound. These buildings are not just physical structures but the foundation upon which we will build the future of education in Tanzania,” Prof. Kusiluka said.

The HEET Project is a five-year initiative, running from 2021 to 2026, funded by the government through a World Bank loan. Its primary goal is to invest in strategic areas to enhance the quality of learning environments and programmes.