Adrienne Carlisle
RHODES University will be doing some major construction and upgrading over the next few years with R170-million received from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
R100-million of the funds will go towards a life sciences building and R31-million to a school of languages building.
A further R36-million will be used to build a new student residence and renovate existing residences and halls, the university said.
The cost of the fully completed life sciences building will be about R200-million and the languages buildings about R60-million.
The DHET funds will cover phase one of the new buildings.
The university will also spend R24-million on improvements to its pharmacy facilities and science laboratories, and R3-million on improving facilities for students and staff with special needs.
These developments are in addition to a new R17-million teacher education building under construction, and various small upgrades and refurbishments.
But while the improvement of Rhodes facilities is well under way, vice-chancellor Dr Saleem Badat has expressed concern about the Makana Municipality's capacity to efficiently and effectively support the university's growth.
"Despite good rains, parts of the university and town have been without water for a considerable period.
"Roads adjacent to the university are in a state of disrepair. It is a matter of great concern whether the municipality fully appreciates how it impacts on the university's operations and could affect our future development, with negative consequences for the town."
But Badat said the DHET funds were a strong vote of confidence in Rhodes's future development and plans.
"It is also testimony to the university's effective, transparent and accountable use of past funding," he said.
Previous funding from the Higher Education Department resulted in a new R75-million library complex, postgraduate research facilities, residences and state-of-the-art science equipment.
