Friday, June 6, 2008

ISLAMIC SENIOR HIGH GETS GIRLS' DORMITORY (PAGE 20)

THE Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, has expressed worry over the failure by some contractors in the area to deliver projects on schedule.
He also chastised some of the contractors for doing shoddy works and blamed the situation on officials of the Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) in the region for inadequate supervision and monitoring.
‘‘The regional tender committee would soon embark on an inspection of all projects in this area to see at first-hand both performing and non-performing contractors,’’ the minister said.
Alhaji Idris, who was speaking at the inauguration of a one-storey girls’ dormitory block for the Islamic Senior High School in Tamale, warned that the committee would terminate the work of any contractor whose work was found to be shoddy.
The school, which is the only science-based second-cycle institution in the region, was established about 11 years ago as a day school and introduced boarding facilities last year.
The GH¢300,000 project was funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). The project began last year and was completed on schedule for which reason the minister commended the contractors for their hard work.
He, however, ordered the termination of the contract for the boys’ dormitory for inefficiency on the part of the contractor, stressing, ‘‘You have no reason not to deliver on GETFund projects, because once you deliver, you are paid off.’’
The minister expressed appreciation to the board and management of the GETFund for their immense support to the education sector in the area. About 35 GETFund projects are either completed or ongoing in various parts of the region.
He, however, appealed for the provision of more female residential accommodation in senior high schools in the region to ensure proper monitoring and guidance of the girls, who, he observed, were more vulnerable as day students.
The Chairman of the board of directors of the school, Alhaji Mohammed Haroon Kambodia, suggested that one of the houses be named after the minister for his personal commitment to the realisation of the project and the development of education in the region.
He commended the management and staff of the school for their untiring efforts in spite of the difficulties they encountered.
The headmaster of the school, Mr Iddrisu Neindow, thanked all stakeholders for their support, which had resulted in the successful completion of the project, noting that it would contribute to effective teaching and learning.

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