Students continue to learn under unsafe structures even after the construction of a new classroom block for the only basic school in Wassa Edaa in the Mpohor District.
The Assemblyman of the Area, Mr. Christopher Tawiah mentioned to Spice 9.91 FM that, it’s been more than a year since the inception of the construction of a 6 unit classroom block but which has not been completed hence, forcing pupils to continue to study in a community center that is unfit for teaching and learning purposes.
“Government began the construction of the school block in 2020 to replace the dilapidated and old classroom block. The classrooms are not completed by the contractor and so I consulted the DCE on the matter and he assured me that he will forward it to the right quarters,” he said.
He mentioned that teachers and students study under harsh conditions, especially when it rains which compel authorities to shorten teaching and learning.
Mr. Tawiah added that school sessions are mostly interrupted whenever there is a social event in the area, as the community center is mostly used for funerals, meetings amongst others.
“Mostly on Fridays, teachers close pupils earlier than the expected time because the community center is used to hold social events,” he observed.
Students still continued to learn under unsafe weak structures which pose a threat to their safety and the situation was also not conducive for learning.
For his part, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr. Ignatius Asaah Mensah who spoke to Spice FM explained, “The contractor responsible for the project used a plan called French foundation, instead of him to cast it with concrete, he avoided that and started to build.”
“Due to this, rainwater started to fill up the basement leading to the collapse of the building. So the constructor then had to build everything again from scratch which he has done, but left with some finishing touches to fully complete it.”
He explained that the compound in which the new block has been built is sloppy and the contractor would need to level it up to make it conducive for the school children.
He, however, said electricity is being installed and the Assembly is looking forward to furnishing the classroom with tables and chair before they can move into the school building.
Also, there are no whiteboards installed in the classrooms and no chairs for learning as well.
Mr. Mensah promised that he will Fastrack the process of commissioning the new classroom block for the school so students can enjoy some quality infrastructure and education.
