The presentation entitled: “Improving Efficiency in the treatment of pit latrines sludge from unplanned settlements in the cities of Malawi” will be made by  Khumbo Kalulu, a PhD student in the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Speaking in an interview about his journey, Kalulu said that it was never easy, taking into account that he is coming from an Engineering background where he attained a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.

 Kalulu who joined as an Associate lecturer and rose to a senior lecturer position in the Department of Environmental Health at the Polytechnic, holds two Master’s Degrees, one  in Integrated water resource management  from the University of Dare Salam and the other one in Business Administration from Eastern and Southern African Management institute (ESAMI)/ Maastricht School of Management (MsM).

 “Coming from a civil engineering background as an undergraduate I was geared towards water, structural and highway engineering, but when I graduated, the job I got, was to do with water supply and sanitation where the sanitation part I was not so familiar with,” he explained.

Kalulu explained that his thesis idea was originated from the interest and experience on water and sanitation.

“I was introduced into sanitation at Concern Universal where I worked as Water and Sanitation Engineer from 2003 to 2005," he said.

He added that he has carried out WASH consultancies for over 10 years in both urban and rural settings of Malawi.

The Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences Dr Ishmael Kosamu commented earlier that a University is identified by the number of PhD graduates and research papers it produces. In this case Polytechnic which will now be on its own after delinking, through these PhD programs, it will have a chance of enrolling international students and get recognition on the international level.

Kalulu appreciates the support rendered to him throughout his journey from his family, colleagues, the Principal Professor Grant Kululanga, Supervisors, the likes of Dr Bernard Thole, Dr Theresa Mkandawire and other international professionals.