Fire at University of Livingstonia Theological College

03 October 2016

We are sorry to inform members that a serious fire damaged much of the IT Laboratory in the Theological College at the University of Livingstonia on the 28th September 2016.

We are sorry to inform members that a serious fire damaged much of the IT Laboratory in the Theological College at the University of Livingstonia on the 28th September 2016.

We are in contact with the University, passing on the thoughts and concerns of our members. Rev. Matiya Nkhoma, the Principal of Ekwendeni campus, has kindly given us the below account of the fire.

If any of our members feel they are in a position to offer assistance to the University at this time, please contact David Hope-Jones (david(at)scotland-malawipartnership.org) and we will put you in contact.

We will continue to post updates to this website.

Rev. Matiya Nkhoma, the Principal of Ekwendeni, writes:

"As some of you might have heard I am sad to confirm that Ekwendeni
Campus experienced a terrible fire accident. Around 10 am on 28th
September, 2016 our IT Laboratory was gutted by fire and several items
along with the building got destroyed. According to a report, the fire
started in the Matron's office where she was storing unused mattresses
and some personal belongings. That time the office was locked. She
was working near the new Ladies' Hostel.

"This accident happened when I was in Lilongwe on Public Service
Reforms Meetings. I learnt about the accident around 1.00pm.
Immediately I left Lilongwe and around 8.00 pm I arrived at Ekwendeni.

"From my enquiry and investigations I understand that one of the junior
workers was charging his phone battery in the same office. The battery
was connected to some little bare wire and it is said that the battery
was placed on a mattress. It seems the battery had been overcharged
and got blasted. Students then saw fire up on the roof of the
building. They broke the door cover into the Matron's office and
rescued two mattresses. They then broke a door cover to the IT Lab and
managed to secure 21 computers out of 42. By the time the fire began
to subside it had damaged several items including the following:-

"From the Matron's Office:
12 mattresses, 3 plastic basins, 3 plastic pails, 1 curtain, 3
brushes, 2 cob removers, 5 books, 1 chitenje, 2 plumbing pipes, 3
cartons of books, 2 bales of toilet paper, 2 bibles, 1 anorak, 1 bag
of cement, 6 mops, 2 door covers, 2 bags of assorted clothes.(These
are estimated to cost K486,000.00

"From the IT Laboratory
21 computers, 40 cubicles, 24 pots network, 41 chairs, switch holder,
2 file cabinets, Projection Screen, 1 colour printer, 1 office table,
networking tools, 5 power extension cables, networking systems, (These
are estimated to cost K21, 981, 000.00 to replace)

"In the process of trying to rescue some items one student was injured
on his leg by an iron sheet. Another one was injured on his hand. Both
were treated at Ekwendeni Hospital. A third person to be injured was a
member of staff from College of Health Sciences. As he was operating a
fire extinguisher the fluid from the extinguisher got sprayed on his
face. He was rushed to Central Hospital where his eyes were cleaned.

"Meanwhile one architect is working on estimates on repairing or
rebuilding the block. We hope to receive those estimates on 4th
October. Classes were suspended for three days (28-30 September) We
will resume teaching on Monday 3rd October.

"I am thankful that both staff and students along with colleagues from
other departments worked as a team to save what they could. The Police
Officers from Ekwendeni Unit are said to have done commendable work.

"Meanwhile this is what I can share with you. We thank you for your prayers."

H. Matiya Nkhoma.

Fire at livingstonia