The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has cut sod for the construction of a three-storey classroom block for the Kaneshie Cluster of Schools to improve teaching and learning conditions for the school’s 198 pupils.

The project, which is expected to be completed within six months, also covers the rehabilitation of the school’s ICT block and other ancillary works, including the provision of a football pitch.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor said the project was a fulfilment of a promise made to the people of Okaikwei South and formed part of a broader development agenda being pursued in the area.

He appealed for at least 90 per cent of the workers on site to be engaged from the locality and encouraged the use of local cement dealers and block manufacturers so that the project would create both direct and indirect jobs for the people of Okaikwei South.

He stated that the constituency was set to witness significant infrastructure development, adding that the current administration intended to turn Okaikwei South into what he described as a “construction site” through the execution of roads, drainage and other projects.

The MP for Okaikwei South constituency, Hon. Ernest Adomako, who joined the Mayor for the sod cutting described the project as not only the beginning of a physical structure but also the laying of a foundation for a brighter future for children in the area.

According to him, the facility, when completed, would provide a more conducive atmosphere for teaching and learning, help address overcrowding and inspire both pupils and teachers to strive for excellence.

The contractor, Alhaji Sulley of Winampang Ltd, said the official duration for the project was one year, but the company was hopeful of completing and handing over the main classroom block within six months.

He added that the rehabilitation of the ICT block was expected to be completed within two months to provide temporary accommodation for pupils, since the structure previously being used by the students had been demolished to make way for the new building.

The Accra Metro Director of Education, Justine Ivy Apau, the poor nature of the school’s buildings had caused many pupils to leave for other schools, including low-standard private institutions, despite the presence of qualified teachers in the public school system.

The Kaneshie District Police Commander, Superintendent Edward Odame assured the contractor, the Mayor, the MP, and the community that the police would provide security for the project and protect all materials and resources committed to it.

The ceremony was attended by party faithfuls, community members, educationists, police officers and other stakeholders, who described the project as a major intervention expected to improve teaching and learning conditions at the Kaneshie Cluster of Schools.