By Maurice Duncan | BlueWaves Radio 93.7 FM
Nearly one year after a fire outbreak damaged part of the female dormitory at the Zuarungu Nursing and Midwifery Training College in the Upper East Region, the affected section remains unrepaired, raising concerns among students and residents over the delay in restoring the facility.
A recent visit by BlueWaves Radio to the college revealed that the fire-damaged portion of the hostel has remained untouched since the incident, with visible signs of destruction still evident. Although the fire affected only five rooms within the dormitory, rehabilitation works are yet to commence.
Information available to BlueWaves Radio indicates that the Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL), a government-owned technical consultancy firm, was tasked by the Upper East Regional Minister to assess the extent of the damage and determine the cost of rehabilitation.
According to information gathered, AESL’s assessment estimated that approximately GH¢1.6 million would be required to rehabilitate the five damaged rooms, including replacing damaged beds and other essential facilities.
The estimated cost has, however, sparked debate among some industry players. Several local artisans and construction professionals who spoke to BlueWaves Radio contend that the damaged section could be restored for GH¢800,000 or less, depending on the scope of work, material specifications and procurement arrangements.
BlueWaves Radio has not independently verified either estimate, and there has been no official explanation reconciling the difference between AESL’s assessment and the views expressed by local industry players.
Sources familiar with the matter also told BlueWaves Radio that the college is currently implementing several ongoing infrastructure and development projects funded through its Internally Generated Funds (IGF). According to the sources, the institution’s budget has already been committed to these projects, making it difficult for management to reallocate or switch funds to undertake the rehabilitation of the fire-damaged dormitory without additional financial support or approval.
The prolonged delay in repairing the facility has become a growing concern, particularly as student enrolment continues to increase. The five affected rooms remain out of use, reducing available accommodation and placing additional pressure on the college’s hostel facilities.
The situation comes at a time when the college is expanding its infrastructure to meet the growing demand for nursing and midwifery education in the Upper East Region. While progress has been made on other development projects, the damaged section of the female dormitory remains abandoned almost a year after the fire.
Students and residents are calling on the Government, the Ministry of Health, the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council and other stakeholders to intervene and provide the resources needed to restore the affected facility. They argue that repairing the damaged hostel will help ease accommodation challenges and improve the welfare of students.
As of the time of filing this report, rehabilitation works had not commenced, and no official timeline had been announced for the start of repairs.
Source: BlueWaves radio | Maurice Duncan | Bolgatanga
