According to her government’s commitment towards realizing the objective of the project is not in doubt adding that a budgetry allocation by the government as presented to parliament this year attest to this fact.

The Minister who was addressing the media during a tour of the project expressed contentment at the work done on all four projects currently under construction at the site and assured the contractors that the ministry will engage the Finance Ministry to ensure the release of outstanding funds so that the projects can be completed by close of the year.

Mrs Afoley was however unhappy that apart from the classroom block which has disability friendly features, the other three do not have those features. She has therefore directed the consultant to factor those features in the remaining three projects as required by law.

She said government is not oblivious of the importance of the fisheries college to aquaculture development and the fishing industry in general, adding the NPP government is not only looking at the first phase of the project but the entire phases that will make the school a real centre of excellence.

Project Consultant, Richard Abbey from Akuffo and Associates disclosed that though actual construction started in 2013 and was expected for completion in 2015, which never materialized due to reviews and delay in the release of funds. He however assured the minister that if funds can be released on time, phase one of the project can be completed within 5-6 months.

He noted that the two projects that have been roofed including the administration and laboratory blocks, as well as the hostel block which is at the roofing stage are well advanced and the contractors have done far more than they should have done so far considering the certificates that have not been cleared.

Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Francis Kingsley Ato Cudjoe also appealed to Messrs Premier Shelter Limited who are constructing the classroom block to speed up their work since they seems far behind others. He advised that the classroom block being the biggest of all the four projects needs more focus to be ready along side others for the school to commence.

Member of Parliament for Mfantseman Constituency, Hon. Ekow Kwansah Hayford who was also present expressed gratitude to the minister for the visit and was particularly delighted for the assurance given by the minister towards the completion of the project.

According to him, the contractors have also agreed to drill three boreholes to aid their work and to serve surrounding communities who are currently facing challenges with potable water.  

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Phase one of the College of Fisheries project consistis of four structures made up of a two-story administration block, a two-story laboratory, a three-story classroom block and a two-story hostel block. It also comes with external works including the parking and internal roads; a fish pond, and access route from Nsanfo Junction to the project site which is yet to be awarded.

The three-story classroom block being constructed by Messrs Premier Shelter Limited consists of a reception, ten classrooms, conference room, office, library, store room, pantry and washrooms. Vertical circulation is by staircase and ramp.

The hostel facility by Messrs Beingod Limited consists of 56 bedrooms, washrooms and foyer on each floor. Venticulation is by staircase.

The laboratory block under the construction of Messrs Anointed Pillars Associate Limited comprises of a basement and two floors which comprise of laboratories, preparation and store rooms for equipment as well as washroom facilities. Vertical circulation is by staircase.

The administration block being constructed by Messrs Bizun Company Limited comprises of a main entrance with a foyer, both cellular and open offices, archives, washrooms and store rooms. Vertical circulation is by staircase.
 
 BACKGROUND

The construction of the Anomabo Fisherie College which was started in 2013 is aimed among other things to facilitate the training of extension officers for the marine and inland fisheries sub-sector and run start-term proficiency courses in virtually all aspects of fisheries and aquaculture for practitioners and prospective actors.

It would also train technicians and improve the skills and knowledge of the major stakeholders in fisheries and aquaculture.