UTech to get $365 Million for Development Projects

A sum of $365 million has been earmarked in the Estimates of Expenditure for 2012/13, to enhance the University of Technology’s capacity to provide quality education, through expansion and upgrading of its facilities, development of staff, and improved financial sustainability.

The funds will go towards completing 20 per cent of shared facilities (three  lecture theatres and 20 lecture rooms), and 50 per cent of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, as well as completing consultancy to enhance the quality of learning and teaching.

Up to February, online planning approval was obtained from the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) for  sub-projects; a contractor was recommended for the shared facilities; Cabinet approval was given for the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management; while bids were received for electrical upgrading, as well as for a new administration building.

Institutional strengthening was boosted with the completion of improvements in human resource capacity and information technology, so too an income diversification strategy and market needs analysis.  

The university is also undertaking an academic quality assurance, which is 90 per cent complete, while the project to enhance the quality of learning and teaching is 67 per cent complete.

The project is being fully funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

By Alphea Saunders, JIS Senior Reporter