THE senior director of Real Estate Management at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Thabani Mhlongo, has provided updates on the multi-million-rand infrastructure development projects that are aimed at providing a world-class educational experience for its students.

The two significant infrastructure projects that are currently on the go at DUT include a student centre, a multi-purpose hall and a parkade on the Steve Biko campus in Durban, as well as a science building and lecture venues on the Indumiso campus in Pietermaritzburg.

The other major project involves the construction of five different building facilities between the Steve Biko campus (administration building and Papa Joes) and the Ritson campus (innovation hub, health sciences building, lecture venues and a parkade), to accommodate the growing needs of the university community.

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Mhlongo highlighted that the administration building and innovation hub were both designed to meet green building standards, showcasing DUT’s commitment to sustainability.

“To ensure smooth project execution, DUT has implemented robust stakeholder management strategies, prioritising local stakeholders’ involvement in the construction process. Additionally, the project serves as a platform for skills development, offering students valuable hands-on experience and opportunities for professional growth,” added Mhlongo.

He confirmed that even though the two significant projects on the Steve Biko and Indumiso campuses had encountered delays attributed to Covid-19 and technical issues on-site, progress is underway with the contractor currently focusing on internal finishes.

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“Despite the challenges, the project remains a beacon of local employment opportunities, with local subcontractors heavily involved in construction activities. Furthermore, some DUT students whose studies were in the built environment discipline, have been provided with valuable practical experience on the project, contributing to both their education and professional experience,” explained Mhlongo who indicated that the handover of this project is expected imminently as the contractors finalise the finishes.

As DUT continues to invest in infrastructure and development projects, the university reaffirms its commitment to providing a world-class educational experience for its students and positively contributing to the socio-economic growth of the region.

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