The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Sissala East, Karim Nanyua has advised contractors to strictly adhere to lay down protocols at project sites to help contain the coronavirus pandemic.
The MCE gave the advice at the official sod-cutting for a three-pronged project at Tumu in the Upper West Region.
The project is valued at ₵2,622,208.25 and entails the construction of an administration block, a dormitory and refurbishment of St. Clare’s Vocational Training Institute.
GBC’s Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo reports that the project is being executed by a Tumu based firm, Lubie Construction Works under the auspices of the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Planet One.
As a result of the COVID-19 scare, the event was held devoid of the usual pomp and glitter that are associated with such significant projects where chiefs and their people play active roles.
The upgrading of infrastructure at the school is in keeping with government’s renewed policy to prioritise Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The MCE, Mr Nanyua, who laid a block at the construction site, observed that the project further demonstrates government’s commitment to Technical and Vocational Education in the country.
The MCE called for positive relationship with the contractor to enable him to deliver up to expectation and promised same.
“As the Municipal Chief Executive, I want to assure the contractor a maximum cooperation from my outfit.”
On the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Nanyua said the Assembly has provided hand washing facilities at public places as well as to institutions and also seeing to it that people comply with the safety protocols.
“The Assembly is equally putting finishing touches to a center for isolation of COVID-19 cases.”
On border and community patrols, he said: “We also have to intensify our border patrols and then the community to community patrols.”
“It is the responsibility of the Assembly to resource the security agencies to move from community to community to make sure that all protocols in relation to COVID-19 are complied with,” the MCE emphasised.
The Manager of St. Clare’s Vocational Training Institute, Reverend Sr. Catherine Naaeke was very grateful to the government and Planet One for the opportunity to upgrade the School’s infrastructure.
She said: “The project means a lot to us, because since we started the institution, we were not having a hostel for students. They have been using the Sisters’ premises, the sisters’ own accommodation to accommodate the students.”
“So now with this project, we are going to have a hostel for St. Clare’s Vocational Training Institute and also a bigger administration block. We have been struggling with a small administration block but this project is giving us a big building that will enable us to have more people to have offices to do effective work,” Sr. Catherine Naaeke affirmed.
A representative of the Paramount Chief of Tumu, Godfred Baveru Kanton expressed gratitude for the project on behalf of the Traditional Council. He pointed out that the palace in its entirety and the people of Sissala are really happy about the project.
Mr Kanton continued: “This institution started as a very small institution to cater for our daughters and we are happy it is growing and now they are now introducing electrical and other courses which signify that our children are being prepared to be independent after education.”
Mr Kanton who is also a member of the Institutional Management Committee of St. Clare’s Vocational Training Institute stated that as part of efforts to fight the coronavirus pandemic, the traditional council had organised a number of meetings with the leaders of the ethnic groups such as Fulani, Zabrama, Moshie and Dagaaba among others.
He indicated that during the meetings, the need was stressed for the tribal heads to support the efforts to fight the virus.
The Managing Director of Lubie Construction Works, Clement Luri promised to work around the clock to complete the project by December 2020.
The MP for Sissala East, Ridwan Dauda Abass said he is very happy that his constituency is benefiting from the program aimed at equipping the youth with skills to create jobs for themselves.
The Municipal Coordinating Director for Sissala East, Roger Kanton was also among the dignitaries that graced the occasion.
Story filed by Emmanuel Mensah-Abludo.
