The tour which took place on Thursday May 7, 2020; Dr Kainja was accompanied by government officials from the Ministry, the Director of Technical and Vocational Training Skills and innovation, Aubrey Matemba, the Executive Director of TEVETA William Makulumiza Nkhoma and other government officials.

Equipment and materials showcased were; low cost ventilators, 3D printable reusable face masks, drones, plastic face shields for safety of medical practitioners, hand sanitizers, pedal operated water dispensers, wheelchair bed for transporting patients and a portable solar cooler.

In addition, new innovations have been added like the Full body decontamination chamber which could be used to disinfect health workers and can also be used at the airports or borders. A contact less water, soap sanitizer which could be used at the auto teller machine which uses senses to release soap or sanitizer without actually pressing it.

Speaking after exploring the innovations, Dr Kainja applauded the Polytechnic Management and students describing the work as spectacular.

“As a ministry we are ready to support this project on how best these items can be commercialized based on the stage which the products are on,” she said.

Dr Kainja further said that this has been a wakeup call for the ministry innovation plans as they are coming in as technicians to do a fact finding and assess the feasibility of the work.

The Principal, Professor Grant Kululanga thanked the team for visiting and showing support to the institution.

All the equipment and materials could be accessed at the Polytechnic Design studio by ordering through Hilary Lodzanyama on 0888416190 or email hlodzanyama@poly.ac.mw