In Tema, Community 7 Number 1 and 2 Basic Schools are facing a major challenge as their classrooms turn to swimming pools whenever it rains.
For the past three years, academic activities have been disrupted due to the severe flooding that occurs in almost all the classrooms.
The main cause of this issue is the leaking roofs, which have been deteriorating over time. The lack of proper maintenance by the school authorities has led to the roofs becoming weak and rusty. The deterioration of the roofing materials poses a serious threat to the lives of the pupils, as there is a fear that the roofs might collapse on them.
Teachers and pupils have been forced to rearrange desks in an attempt to keep the students from getting soaked with rainwater while in the classrooms.
DGN Online visited the school and discovered that buckets were placed around the classrooms to collect the rainwater from the leaking roofs. The pupils had to sit close to each other to avoid contact with the water. To prevent accidents, some pupils were given the task to sweep rainwater from the verandas.
The school building, along with others in the Tema Metropolis, require urgent renovations. Pupils lament that teaching and learning are regularly disrupted whenever it rains due to the deplorable state of the school structure.
As if that is not enough, the roofs are rotten, there are visible cracks in the building, and classrooms are left dark due to the lack of proper ventilation systems.
Residents are expressing surprise and disappointment at the conduct of Mr Yohane Amarh Ashitey, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive.
Despite being informed about the situation two years ago, he has shown no concern or taken any action. Though he visited the school after receiving a report about the condition, no measures have been put in place to address the leaking roofs and other structural defects.
In response to these concerns two years ago, Mr Ashitey has acknowledged that urgent attention is needed for the school.
He had assured the public that the Tema Metropolitan Engineer will be tasked with assessing the issue thoroughly. Steps will then be taken to replace the leaking roofs.
Mr Ashitey added that works would be done in stages to ensure that the school can continue to operate.
However, over two years down the line and no action has been taken as the pupils continue to battle with water whenever it rains.
Some classrooms might need to be combined temporarily to facilitate the renovation process.
The pupils and teachers of Tema Community seven No 2 and 1 Basic Schools remain hopeful that swift action will be taken to address the flooding issue.
They are eager to see their classrooms transformed
from swimming pools back into proper learning environment.
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By Vincent Kubi