In a compelling display of experiential learning, Part 2 Civil and Water Engineering students from the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) recently undertook end-of-semester field excursions across Zimbabwe’s leading industrial and environmental hubs.
Led by Department Chairperson Eng. Felix Mudhindi and a team of dedicated lecturers, the students engaged with a spectrum of practical applications—from mine engineering to water resource management—underlining the university’s strategic approach to hands-on learning. These engagements are not merely supplementary academic activities; they are essential catalysts that foster innovation, critical thinking, and adaptive expertise among students.
Students explored geotechnical engineering in action, studying tailings storage facility design and waste management systems. The visit also laid groundwork for a promising partnership between NUST’s Department of Civil and Water Engineering and Unki Mine, which aims to advance collaborative research on mine waste management.
At Pomona, students witnessed modern solid waste management technologies and operational strategies. This visit reinforced the imperative of engineering solutions that are sustainable, data-driven, and future-ready.
With the Kunzvi Dam poised to become a key national water asset, students observed advanced dam construction methods and technologies. The immersion provided a rare glimpse into the engineering complexity behind large-scale water infrastructure development.
At Zimbabwe’s iconic Lake Chivero, the focus turned to sustainable water use and environmental conservation. Discussions on water quality and ecological protection added vital dimensions to the students’ understanding of water resource management.
These immersive field visits resonate powerfully with Zimbabwe’s national thrust of Heritage-Based Education 5.0, which champions the fusion of teaching, research, community engagement, innovation, and industrialisation. Through such engagements, academia and industry converge to cultivate scholars who are not only knowledgeable but also inventive and socially responsive.
NUST continues to lead in aligning educational practice with national development imperatives, ensuring its graduates are agents of transformation, equipped to design, build, and lead solutions for Zimbabwe and beyond.
