GBARNGA, Bong – The interim president of Bong Technical College has revealed measures aimed at ensuring that the college’s construction is completed by the end of 2017, after delays due to changes to the project’s contract.

Roland C. Massaquoi, speaking to Super Bongese Radio in Gbarnga, said the interim management team of the college is doing all it can to meet this deadline.

“We are making sure that the entire construction is done and completed by next year,” Massaquoi said. He added that several materials have already been stockpiled at the construction site to ensure that the construction process restarts as soon as possible.

The facility under construction. Photo: Arrington Ballah

A series of amendments to the construction’s contract led to the delays, the college’s president said. Those changes have caused setbacks for the project along with a delay in the release of funds for the project.

“The county and everyone are making sure to support this project, but the money – especially from the social development fund – is not coming the way the county thought it would come,” he said. “So, [the project] got slowed [down].”

Massaquoi said despite an inadequate funding source, the project team would work to meet its deadline.

“We are pushing to recommence work because the tiles are here on the floor,” he added. “All the ceiling materials are also here. Wires are all in the walls and other electrical fittings are here. Only the plumbing, as internal record states, is not ready yet.”

The project, which is estimated at US$7 million, will include a dormitory, classrooms, an administrative building, and a teachers’ quarter.

The technical college is expected to serve as an alternative for students who cannot attend nearby Cuttington University.

Featured photo by Arrington Ballah