NEWS:

17 Jun, 2016


Norwegian visitors accompanied by Dr Philip Kaonda and Dr David Mkwambisi during Infrastructural Spot Check
To ensure that Norwegian resources are used prudently by recipient organizations, the Inspector General and Head of the Foreign Services Unit in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nils Haugstviet and Senior Advisor Anne Britt Thoresen visited LUANAR on the 13th of June 2016. The purpose of the visit was to inspect and follow-up on the implementation of Norwegian funded LUANAR Infrastructure Development Programme (IDP) and verify if implementation is according to the various provisions of the signed development agreements with regard to finances, procurement and general management. The IDP agreement between the Government of Malawi and the Royal Kingdom of Norway was officially signed by the two governments in November 2014.

During the sport check the Norwegian team initially held discussions with LUANAR management where they were briefed on the current status and progress of the IDP. Later the team took a tour to various infrastructure sites to appreciate and verify on the reported progress.

The LUANAR Infrastructure Development Programme (IDP) is a three year programme, which commenced in November 2014 and is expected to be completed by December 2017. The program is worth NOK 60 Million. The overall goal of the programme is to to widen access to higher education in agriculture, natural resource management and rural development. Specifically, the programme aims to improve teaching and learning infrastructure and improved living conditions of female students.

It is expected that the programme will achieve four outcomes: completion of 212 bed hostel, teaching and learning complex facility completed, rehabilitation of existing teaching and learning facilities including laboratories, rehabilitation of the sewage system completed and improved water supply for the campus.

According to Anne Britt Thoresen, investments made in the various developmental initiatives such as LUANAR’s infrastructure development programme (IDP) originate from Norwegian tax payer’s. The spot checks therefore guarantee that the tax payers’ money serves its intended purpose. In addition to this, Nils Haugstviet said it was vital for the institution to utilize funds in accordance to the agreements because future support will be determined by how well the funds are being managed.

Having toured the various construction sites Niles Haugstviet expressed his contentment with the institutions management system and the work being done on the ground. He later said his expectations had been met and looked forward to the final outcome once the programme is completed in 2017.

The team advised management to ensure that the facilities benefit the intended group once construction is completed. Niles Haugstviet further encouraged LUANAR management to report on the various challenges that would be confronted during the implementation of the programme and work to improve on these challenges.

LUANAR and the Government of Norway have been in partnership since 2001, before Bunda College of Agriculture transitioned to LUANAR. Through This partnership, the Norwegian government has supported various Programmes including CABMACC, ARDEP and the construction of the well know Chilowa cafeteria and the Norad /Press Trust female hostel.




Written by Christie Kang'ombe