NUR gets €2m science lab

A new modern science laboratory at the National University of Rwanda is now ready for use, the Huye-based institution of higher learning has announced. The facility, whose construction was funded by the Belgian government, cost Euro 2.1million (approx. Rwf 1.6 billion). The Bio-Chemistry laboratory will help the university to facilitate researchers and PhD students, according to the Vice Rector (Administration and Finance), Dr Desire Ndushabandi. “The infrastructure has been set up and we are expecting modern equipment very soon, which can also be used by PhD students and researchers in various fields,” Ndushabandi said. He added that the new infrastructure and equipment will help improve the quality of training and serve as a resource centre for researchers. Ndushabandi said the laboratory will be furnished equipment worth an estimated Euro1.5 million. He added that UNR aims to become a centre of excellence in water analysis and production. Christian Sekomo Birame, a chemist and member of the science faculty, said the laboratory will have fume hoods, a system for extracting gases, and can accommodate 160 students at a time. Prudence Uwabakulikiza, the Communications Officer of the Belgian Technical Corporation (BTC), said Brussels would also help put up a maternity, emergency and pediatric wards, as well as a sewage system at the University hospital in Huye. The works will cost Euro 3.6 million, he said. maria.kaitesi@newtimes.co.rw