NWU CAMPUS UPGRADES: WORTH THE NOISE?

James Klusener 

@jamesklusener

 

The grating, the drilling, the cutting – you’ve all heard it at some point or another. The lively sound of construction that’s consuming the campus, well it’s not for nothing, and the inconvenience now will surely be worth it, right? 

 

The North-West University (NWU) has undertaken copious amounts of construction plans, commitments to improve the facilities, and expand existing infrastructure campus-wide.

 

With hundreds of millions of rands going into these improvements and additions every year, things are definitely heating up across the Potchefstroom campus, with various plans – at different stages of development – on the way.

 

According to a document published by the university, the NWU has spent over R707 million between 2019 and 2024. An additional R19 million is being invested into renewable energy infrastructure, with solar panels being installed across various buildings on campus. This doesn’t include the hundreds of millions being allocated to future projects as well, many of which are in initial planning phases.

 

But that’s not all. Certain plans provide details for a slew of new upgrades and additions being planned, developed and constructed, some notable projects include: renewing the Ferdinand Postma Library museum and archives, the addition of more computer facilities for undergraduate students in building G24, converting the facilities in building E7 into a 24 hour study space for students, and the relocation of residence clubhouses such as Villagers, Bellatrix, Dinki and Lavaria, with plans to revamp and refurbish the alumni hall and other student life society spaces. 

 

These are some ambitious changes for the campus, and along with the new medical facilities and a focus on renewable energy and sustainability, it’s clear that the NWU is on a path of progress and determination to move forward.

 

However, the path to progress is never without its bumps, and there have certainly been a few. The disruptions to student life across campus have been noticeable, with certain pathways being restricted, and construction sounds causing disruption for those making use of the library space and its facilities.

 

Whilst these might feel like minor inconveniences to some, it may become quite the hassle if you’re late to class, or a test – and the most convenient route is closed off. Or if you’re studying in the library and the sounds of drilling and clanging continue to disrupt your peace.  

 

Despite all this, it’s crucial to acknowledge that whilst these disruptions are inconvenient, it’s a small price to pay for the future benefits they could provide, and the better position it will put the university in long-term. It creates a better campus for the students of today and tomorrow alike. 

 

 

Photo of the NWU Potchefstroom Campus. A side of the library is under construction and the pathways have been closed off with danger tape.

 

Edited by Mignon Walters and Mhlengi Khumalo