By Emmanuel AKOMEA
The Rotary Club of Accra Ridge and the Edgbaston Convention Rotary Club have jointly inaugurated and handed over washroom facilities to the Billa Mahmud Memorial Future Leaders School in Accra.
This initiative was made possible through a Rotary International Global Grant. The newly constructed washroom facilities are expected to offer much-needed relief to the students and staff at the School, who previously had limited access to clean and hygienic facilities.
The facilities feature separate toilets for boys and girls, each equipped with washrooms, bathrooms, and urinals. A washroom designed for individuals with disabilities is available at both ends. Furthermore, sinks and a well-maintained drainage system have been installed to maintain a clean and safe environment for all occupants.
According to the President-Elect for the club and Project Lead, Efosa Aibangbee, careful consideration was given to the design and layout of the facilities to ensure they could effectively meet the needs of the students.
He noted that separate sections were established for boys and girls, each furnished with multiple cubicles, sinks, and bathrooms. Furthermore, wheelchair access was meticulously planned, with ramps strategically installed to ensure easy accessibility for students with disabilities in each area.
The total cost of the project amounted to approximately GH₵550,000, with funding provided by international partner Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Accra Ridge. Remarkably, the project was completed within a four-month timeframe.
Mr. Aibangbee expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance the well-being of the students. “Access to clean and safe washroom facilities is crucial for promoting good health and academic performance among students. We are proud to have collaborated with the Edgbaston Convention Rotary Club to bring this project to fruition,” he said.
David Aspinall of Edgbaston Rotary Club, Birmingham UK, the international partner, noted that the initial visit to the school had a profound impact on the Rotarians. Witnessing the dire need for improved sanitation facilities left a lasting impression on them.
He acknowledged that the path to completing the washroom facilities was filled with obstacles, but they persevered through numerous challenges to ensure the project’s successful completion.
The club expressed pride in officially handing over the facilities to the school and expressed hopes that they would greatly benefit the students and contribute to their overall well-being.
Headmistress of the School, Mabel Akpor expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club for their generous donation and highlighted the positive impact the new washroom facilities will have on the school.
She affirmed that the successful completion of the project has resolved any concerns raised by the municipal environmental departments regarding the school’s need for suitable washroom facilities. She assured that the school is committed to maintaining and managing the facility effectively to benefit future generations.
