Future State Uni. Hostel projects on PPP basis- MoHE
View(s):Future Hostel projects for State universities will be built on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis, instead of the Government undertaking their construction, said Ministry of Higher Education Project Director P.G. Jayasinghe. “The move comes as the final stage of the proposed Hostel projects for State universities will be completed by end of September,” he said.
The Hostel projects were launched in 2013 under 3 Stages, with a proposal to construct 84 buildings to provide facilities to 33,600 students. Total cost to the Government is Rs 18.4 billion. “To date, 60 buildings have been handed over and already in use by the students, with the balance 24 buildings to be handed over, providing more accommodation for university students,” Mr Jayasinghe told the Sunday Times.
“With the completion of the latest buildings a student population of 80% of the existing students in campuses could be provided accommodation,” he added.
He said there would not be similar programmes in the immediate future and, in the event more hostels are needed, it would be PPP projects, where investors will be responsible for the constructions.
He said a building could be guaranteed for 50 year and generally, in about 11 years, the cost could be recovered, and therefore, it could be a profitable venture.
The completed Hostels’ facilities include reading rooms, TV rooms and kitchens. A room is will be shared by 4 students. Solar power has been used in most of the buildings. - Damith Wickremasekara