By Burnett Munthali
The construction costs for the new administration building at the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) in Zomba have soared from the initial estimate of K8.9 billion to a staggering K15 billion. This significant cost increase has been attributed to the ongoing fuel shortages and the scarcity of foreign currency in Malawi, which have disrupted the supply chain and escalated material costs.
Currently, 97% of the construction work on the building has been completed, with the painting phase already 95% finished. According to the project manager, Chikumbutso Lion, the remaining tasks include the final painting using cream-white paint and the installation of the ceiling. Lion expressed optimism that the remaining work could be completed soon, provided the necessary funds are made available in time.
Professor Samson Sajidu, the Deputy Vice Chancellor of MUST, echoed this sentiment, stating that the building could be completed within two months if the funds required to finalize the project are secured. He emphasized the importance of the new building in addressing the university’s growing administrative needs, noting that its completion would significantly improve operational efficiency at the institution.
The delay and increased costs have drawn attention to the broader challenges faced by infrastructure projects in Malawi, where economic instability and resource shortages often lead to project overruns. Stakeholders are now urging the government and relevant authorities to prioritize the completion of the building to ensure that the university’s administrative operations are not further hindered.
Once completed, the new administration building will serve as a critical hub for the university’s leadership and management teams, supporting MUST’s mission to advance science, technology, and innovation in Malawi.
