FIVE unions from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and the Copperbelt University (CBU) have bemoaned the inadequate allocation of funds to the two institutions and called on Government to provide additional funds to allow them operate normally.

The unions are Copperbelt University Academic Union (CBUAU), Copperbelt University Workers Union (CBUWU), Copperbelt University Senior and Administrative Staff Association (CUSASA), University of Zambia Lecturers' and Researchers' Union (UNZALARU) and University of Zambia and Allied Workers' Union (UNZAAWU).

In a statement released at a briefing in Kitwe yesterday, the unions observed Government grants to the two institutions in the past few years had not only been inadequate but also static.

Presenting the statement, CBUWU president Humphrey Lungu said the unions could not understand the rationale behind the budgetary freeze as allocations in the 2010 Budget to the universities had remained the same as the 2009 allocations.

Mr Lungu said the budget allocation for UNZA next year remained the same as last year at K106 billion and K40 billion for CBU.

"We do not understand the rationale behind the budget freeze when the Ministry of Education's budget has risen by 17 per cent for 2010," he said.

He said further analysis had indicated that all other levels of education in the ministry had improved allocations.

Mr Lungu cited basic schools, high schools and teacher training, whose allocations had risen by 29, 31 and 22 per cents respectively.

"As much as we appreciate the Government's desire and vision to have a nation that can universally read newspapers, we wish to categorically state that for real development to take place in the nation, there should be corresponding emphasis on tertiary education," he said.

Under-funding would lead to non-improvement in the already poor staff-student ratio, as the institutions would not have the capacity to recruit and retain staff.

He said there would be a reduction of acquisition of basic teaching materials that there would be no promotions and merit increments for deserving staff.

The unions also called on Government to increase allocation of funds for liquidation of contractual obligations which have also remained static.