MALAWI POLYTECHNIC ENGINEERING

The project will be implemented by the GOM through the University of Malawi. The capability of the Polytechnic will be increased so that it can train and graduate 400 certificate, 75 diploma, and 25 degree holders annually by 1984, and so that it can provide consulting services to the engineering community. To this end, a contracted institution will provide four U.S. technicians for a total of 13 person-years to assist the Polytechnic in developing its engineering programs, and 55 person-years of degree training in the United States for 16 Malawians who will serve as instructors at the Polytechnic. Twelve of these are currently tutors and teaching assistants in four engineering disciplines at the Polytechnic. The others include two women on the polytechnic staff who will receive M.S.-level training; a senior staff member who will study for a Ph.D. in hydrology; and a counterpart for the project"s career counsellor. USAID will provide funds for the construction of an 18,000 sq. ft. science building, a 26,000 sq. ft. library, and four 3-bedroom houses for senior staff, and will furnish science and library equipment and books. The British Overseas Development Agency and the European Development Fund are currently funding some teaching positions at the Polytechnic and have proposed grants to fund the construction and renovation of additional buildings. The African Development Fund also plans to contribute funds for equipment and building construction and renovation. The most direct beneficiaries of this project will be the individuals completing the new technician"s and engineer"s training, the employers of these engineering specialists, and those requiring engineering services and research. Indirect benefits may result for Malawi"s estimated 5 million rural poor through the projects (roads, water and sewer, irrigation and hydro-power, rural electrification, etc.) requiring engineering specialists.