VETA Kigamboni college construction reaches 85pc

DAR ES SALAAM: THE construction of Kigamboni Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA) College has reached 85 per cent, raising prospects of some courses starting in November.

Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Dr Hussein Mohamed Omar, expressed satisfaction with the progress during an inspection visit to the project at Gezaulole, Somangila Ward, Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, on Friday.

“Looking at the classrooms, workshops and ongoing construction, we are confident that some courses can begin at the college in November,” he said.

Dr Omar urged VETA to ensure the college brings economic benefits to local residents, calling on the authority to keep municipal leaders, particularly councillors, informed about the project so they could encourage students to enrol when training officially begins.

He also advised the project team to incorporate rainwater harvesting infrastructure to help address potential water shortages associated with climate change.

The deputy permanent secretary further called for energy-efficient designs, including appropriate use of fans and air conditioners, as well as tree planting in open spaces to reduce energy consumption and improve the environment.

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VETA Director General, CPA Anthony Kasore, said the project was being implemented through the force account method by the Dar es Salaam Regional Vocational Education and Services Centre, under the supervision of VETA headquarters.

He said construction began on May 26, 2023, with the first phase involving 19 buildings estimated to cost 3.2bn/-. The second phase will involve five buildings costing an estimated 1.17bn/-, bringing the total to 24 buildings.

Upon completion, the college will accommodate 675 students pursuing long-term courses and 2,000 undertaking short-term training. It will also provide boarding facilities for 320 students, equally divided between boys and girls.

Mr Kasore said training could begin before all construction works were completed, adding that a short course in basic driving had already started at the college.

One of the trainees, Frank Mrupe, said students were receiving both theoretical and practical driving lessons, and encouraged other young people to take advantage of the opportunity.

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