Defects In New Parliament Building

The resident site engineer on the Job 600 Tower Block, Mr Ekow Bentsil Enchil, has expressed concern over the quality of work so far executed on the renovation of the edifice.

Although the renovation of the edifice by China State Construction at the cost of $63 million is nearing completion, Mr Enchil said the contractors could have done a better job.

The renovation of the building is intended to provide accommodation for the 275 Members of Parliament (MPs) and other officers.

Addressing members of the Works and Housing Committee of Parliament during a visit to the the project site, Mr Enchil cited the use of materials which had been bought 15 years ago. During the visit, it was observed that some of the metal railings on the 12th floor, were beginning to rust.

Mr Enchill rated the quality of the work as "fair", saying that the "contractors could have done better.The contractors of the edifice were, however, not present during the visit to give their side of the story.

Although the government had given the contractors up to the end of May, this year, to complete the project, Mr Enchill said the constractor had given assurance that it would be completed by the end of April.

The Chairman of the Works and Housing Committee of Parliament, Mr David Tetteh-Assumeng said the committee was not satisfied with the quality of work on the building.He gave indication that the contractor would be invited to answer some questions before the committee.

Work on the the renovation of the tower block started in April, 2010.

Beside the offices for the MPs, the building also and has a library, an auditorium, meeting rooms and offices for ancillary staff of Parliament. The actual renovation of the building has been completed with some minor fittings yet to be done.

It would also has changing rooms and restaurants.

Source: Daily Graphic