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The construction of a new maternity block for the Komfo Anokye University Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi, will be carried out after the determination that the old and abandoned 45-year-old incomplete structure is weak.
The Ministry of Health (MoH) and KATH management together with Contracta UK Company Limited, the contractor working on the reconstruction of the hospital’s maternity block, which is 45 years old, have agreed on a new design with a reduced bed size.
The reconstruction of the block will be carried out side by side with the demolition works of the old structure to help reduce its bed capacity from 750 to 500 initial and would cost 138.5 million euros, the same as it would cost for the renovation works only for the old block before one up to bring it to the required standard.
The new six-story structure that has been designed is expected to be ready in three years.
Defending
Two officials from the Architecture and Engineering unit of the Ministry of Health took turns demonstrating why it was necessary to demolish the old structure despite requests for maintenance.
After a documentary showing cracks and weaknesses in parts of the building, Mr. Benjamin Ampomah Nkansah from the Infrastructure Directorate at the Ministry of Health and Mr. Richard Vanderpuije, Head of the Ministry’s Architecture Engineering Infrastructure Directorate, accompanied by Contracta officials, KATH CEO Dr. Oheneba Owusu Danso and Ashanti Regional Minister Mr. Simon Osei Mensah, they took journalists on a tour of the site.
From the weak and exposed iron rods to chipping, which is when water enters the concrete and forces the surface to peel, peel or flake, they showed the entourage, including journalists, why the old structure should be torn down.
Vanderpuije said the decision to demolish the building followed a comprehensive risk assessment by relevant engineering companies, including Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL).
He said it would be much more risky to repair the old structure than to build a new one.
“If left alone, the old building could fall without anyone touching it.
“The building has exceeded its useful life and, in terms of risk, profitability, it would be more expensive to maintain than to rebuild,” Vanderpuije said.
He added that the old building could not last the next five to 10 years.
Background
The former maternity block was started by Ghana’s former Head of State, General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong in 1976, but was abandoned midway after its overthrow due to lack of funding.
The structure has undergone several improvements over the years, but could not be completed due to lack of funds.
Last December, President Akufo-Addo cut the grass to complete the old building after the (MoH) through Parliament obtained a loan of 138.5 million euros.
Contractors were quickly mobilized to the site, but after a risk assessment and engineering, it was concluded that the old building should be torn down.
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