BIUST expands its College of Science blocks
Koketso Kgoboge | Wednesday May 13, 2015 16:47
The P160 million science blocks form the first phase of developments that will house all academic departments in the university. According to BIUST communications manager, Keoagile Rafifing more blocks will be constructed as the university continues to develop.
“The three buildings under construction are for the College of Sciences. The science block will house the following departments; Physics and Astronomy, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Biological and Biotechnological Sciences, while the other buildings that form part of the three blocks will house Mathematical and Statistical Science, Chemicals and Forensic Sciences, Health and Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Auditorium and classroom block,” he said. Rafifing said more developments should be expected for all the three BIUST founding colleges (College of Science, College of Engineering and Technology and College of Information and Communications Technology) as funds became available for such developments. He further explained that currently the laboratory spaces were limited and porta-cabins used for lecture offices.
“Currently, the College of Sciences does not have the buildings to house all laboratories, specialist teaching and research spaces and office space for its staff. Existing laboratory space for research and the teaching of geology, physics, chemistry and biology are very limited. Porta-cabins are used as staff offices. The blocks will provide the much needed space for specialist teaching and research spaces and office space for staff,” he said. He explained that the Physics block would be used for shared facilities.
“The Physics space will be reserved for shared facilities and will hold expensive instruments and equipment, where they will be available to researchers and staff from all departments or colleges of the University. Because of the cost, it is not possible for each department or college to purchase their own,” Rafifing said.
He added that these were the first three of eight blocks that made up the Science College and five other buildings which would be built in due course were planned to house the remaining departments, lecture theatres and other teaching avenues.
The contractor, Time Project that has engaged Red East Construction Company to undertake the general building work, recently, together with BIUST College of Science, held a roof wetting ceremony.
Responding to a Mmegi questionnaire, Project Manager at Time Projects, Chabo Masendu said the roof wetting was proof of completion of construction of the building up to the roof level.
“The roof wetting undertaken symbolises that the building’s roof has been installed and that the roof will provide maximum protection from all elements, it was actually to ascertain that construction is running on schedule and the ceremony was also a symbol of a good working relationship between client and contractor,” Chabo said. She also said although the project was delayed by 11 calendar days it was still running on schedule. The project whose construction began on July 2014 is scheduled for completion in September.