LUSAKA - Roma Constituency parliamentary candidate Sean Tembo has pledged to champion the completion of unfinished student hostels at the University of Zambia (UNZA) if elected to Parliament, saying the project would significantly improve student accommodation.
Speaking on One Love Radio 104.1 FM, Mr. Tembo said many UNZA students continue to endure overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation and inadequate ablution facilities despite the existence of unfinished hostel infrastructure.
He claimed the hostel project, which he said was initiated during the administration of former President Edgar Lungu, has the capacity to accommodate more than 18,000 students and only requires minor finishing works to be completed.
Mr. Tembo criticised the UPND government for failing to complete the project over the past five years, arguing that students have continued to suffer because of inadequate accommodation.
"Students are suffering because of inadequate accommodation. Some are forced to share very small rooms, there is poor sanitation and inadequate ablution facilities. Yet there are hostels with the capacity to accommodate more than 18,000 students that only require a few finishing touches," he said.
He said that if elected as Member of Parliament for Roma Constituency, he would lobby for the completion of the hostels regardless of which political party forms the next government.
"Whether the government is led by Brian Mundubile or Hakainde Hichilema, I will ensure students' concerns are raised and push for these hostels to be completed within a year," he said.
Mr. Tembo also cited what he described as his previous advocacy on delayed payments to farmers, saying he would apply the same approach to issues affecting students.
He added that effective representation requires elected leaders to consistently engage government and ensure that public concerns are addressed.
Source: One Love Radio 104.1 FM