The Malawi National Examinations Board (MANEB) says it needs approximately K256 billion to construct new offices and examination facilities on a 55-hectare piece of land in the area of Senior Chief Chikowi in Zomba District which was bought at a cost of K180 million.
MANEB Executive Director, Professor Dorothy Nampota, has disclosed this when members of the Parliamentary Committee on Education visited the institution’s current offices, the proposed site for the new offices and another site where construction of a warehouse and examination storage facilities is underway.
Nampota said MANEB is facing several challenges, including limited working space at its current premises, which has made it difficult for the institution to print examinations locally.
“Our current premises do not provide enough space for us to print examinations locally. We therefore need modern facilities that will enable us to carry out our work efficiently,” said Nampota.
She said the planned development will include modern office buildings, a secure examination printing facility, staff houses and warehouses.
Meanwhile, Vice Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Golden Msilimba, said the committee was satisfied with the condition of the land and the progress of development at the site.
Msilimba said the committee would engage fellow Members of Parliament to help MANEB secure funding for the project through the national budget.
“We, as a committee, will work towards ensuring that MANEB receives the necessary financial support through the national budget to implement this important project,” said Msilimba.
The proposed project is expected to strengthen MANEB’s operational capacity by providing adequate working space and secure, modern facilities for the printing, storage and management of national examinations.
