This paper’s analysis of reports published by the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) after its monitoring of oil-funded projects across the country revealed that over 50% of school projects inspected showed signs of serious deterioration in less than three years after completion.
According to PIAC, out of 13 school projects visited, 10 of them (77%) had deteriorated within three years of completion.
3-Unit classroom block at Akpenkro JHS, Atwima Mponua District
An amount of GHȻ58,648.58 from the Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) was spent on the classroom block, but inspection by members of PIAC revealed cracks on the building. It was revealed further that the project was abandoned midstream.
6-Unit classroom block at Apedwa SDA Primary School
The building, which cost GHȻ139,516, had begun to sink after a little over two years while the structure showed serious signs of damage.
Rehabilitation of science resource centre at Begoro SHS
Contract was awarded to Messrs MOFERG Company Limited in November 2010 at a total sum of GH¢130,152.9 for completion in four months; however, work remained uncompleted by 2016 when the PIAC team undertook the visit.
The contractor removed fittings from the building, did some terrazzo work and abandoned the project.
Checks by PIAC revealed that an amount of GH¢52,765.89 (ABFA) was paid to the contractor.
Rehabilitation of office and headmistress’ bungalow at Aburi Girls’ SHS
Done at a cost of GH¢99,010.49, PIAC discovered that the paint was ripping off after two years while parts of the building were leaking badly.
Construction of a 2-storey dormitory block at Mawuli SHS
It was discovered that the project, which cost GH¢239,674, did not include washrooms.
Construction of faculty for UHAS
The construction of a Faculty of Basic and Biomedical Sciences Building, Students’ Hostel and Staff Accommodation at the University of Health and Allied Sciences cost a total of GH¢3,600,000.
PIAC found that there was no proper ventilation and “the rooms are mostly hot and uncomfortable.”
6-Unit classroom block at Agbadzakope D/A Primary School, South Tongu District
The floor of the classrooms and corridors had developed cracks when PIAC paid a visit last year. Construction of the block cost GH¢14,109.
6-Unit classroom block at Bishop Herman College
At a cost of GH¢98,823, completed in 2013, the door locks of the block were spoiled and had to be secured by nailing wood across the doors. The concrete on the floor was coming off while the window mesh was torn.
2-Storey dormitory block at Odorgonno SHS
A visit to the school revealed that the septic tank for the toilet facilities was not in good shape and “gets full in a matter of weeks”. The dormitory was built at GH¢111,968.
Rehabilitation of science resource centre at St Francis Girls SHS, Jirapa District
This was rehabilitated at a cost of GHȻ44,086.97. Tables, cabinets and other laboratory equipment used for performing experiments were either nonexistent or in poor condition.