By Weswa Ronnie
MBALECITY
Government has pledged to allocate Shs1billion to demolish two condemned buildings at Nkoma SS, which have been out of use for over six years due to safety concerns. One is a 3 Storeyed structure and the other a classroom block.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, 25th June, 2024 by Assistant Commissioner of Government Secondary Schools, Moses Musingo, during the inauguration of the school’s new board members at Nkoma SS Gardens.
Musingo acknowledged the government’s awareness of the situation at Nkoma SS, including the condemned buildings and the shortage of teachers, which may impact educational activities.
He emphasized that the government cannot provide funds immediately but encouraged the school to start renovation works, promising to compensate them later.
Musingo noted that, the condemned buildings were constructed under the Adapted Program Lending (APL) phase one, which saw the construction of over 600 schools across the country.
Muhamudu Wambede Nabalegwa, Chairperson of the Board of Governors, expressed frustration over the government’s delayed response to their pleas for assistance, despite numerous letters highlighting the buildings hazardous state.
He says that the buildings have lives of learners difficult.
“The building is now a hazard, and it can affect our educational system, putting students and staff lives at risk,” he said.
The Parents-Teacher Association (PTA) Chairperson, Soudi Muhamadi Masalu, expressed hope that their consistent efforts will lead to improved performance by their children. However, they face challenges with transportation, which hinders their work, but they plan to purchase a bus by next year.
Nkoma SS, one of the oldest schools in Mbale City, has a population of 6,832 students, with only 46 streams, each carrying over 100 students, contrary to the law.
