Mzuzu University (Mzuni) has said it is optimistic that Entrepreneurs Training and Incubation Centre (Etic) and African Centre of Excellence in Neglected and Underutilised Biodiversity (Acenub) buildings will be completed within their respective one-year timelines.

The Etic project, which is funded by the World Bank under Save Project to the tune of $100 million, was launched in December last year by President Lazarus Chakwera but the actual works started in January this year.

The works will be completed in January next year.

ETIC Project Coordinator Winner Chawinga said the ground and three storey innovation centres would not only transform the face of the old Mzuzu Teachers’ Training College (TTC) campus but would also benefit both students and local communities by providing space where innovators can be mentored in a well-equipped environment.

Chawinga said progress was at 14 percent, adding that, once it is completed, it would be accommodating about 1,600 people at once.

“This is an innovation centre for innovators,” Chawinga said.

Director for Acenub Complex project Mavuto Tembo said construction was at foundation stage, blaming the delay to rains Mzuzu City has been receiving.

Tembo said the $6 million World Bank and Malawi Government funded project will not only be used by Malawians but also researchers within Africa.

“I am glad that we have a committed contractor on the ground,” Tembo said.

Both structures have been erected along the new library complex which is also under construction.

Mzuni was established in 1997.