A burst water pipe at the University of Zimbabwe’s Complex 1 residence turned the students’ world upside down – literally. The resulting flood damaged laptops, phones, and electronic tablets, leaving students high and dry (and device-less).
The incident highlights the university’s neglect of basic maintenance, a problem exacerbated by the government’s alleged nepotism and corruption. Water pipes bursting regularly, the University of Zimbabwe’s infrastructure is crumbling.
With many students relying on their devices for studies, the damage is not just a minor setback. Replacing these gadgets is expensive, and in Zimbabwe’s harsh economic times, it’s a significant burden.
Once a premier institution, the University of Zimbabwe has been run down under the current administration. Low salaries (professors earn $230/month, down from $2,400) and nepotistic appointments have led to a brain drain, earning it the nickname “University of Murambinda.”
The incident serves as a wake-up call for the authorities to address the university’s maintenance issues and prioritize students’ needs. It’s time for change – for the sake of the students, the institution, and the country’s future.
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