Heal Komfo Anokye Project: Architect details maintenance plan, progress following Otumfuo’s visit:

Following a recent inspection visit by His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to the Heal Komfo Anokye project site, lead architect and regional engineer for the Public Works Department, Kwadwo Darko Asante, has outlined the comprehensive maintenance and sustainability plans for the ongoing expansion.

Speaking to the media at the project site, Mr. Asante emphasized his personal involvement from the project’s inception, stating, “As the architect responsible for the design, I have also been deeply involved in supervising every aspect of the construction from day one.”

A key element of the project’s long-term vision is a robust maintenance strategy. Mr. Asante detailed the establishment of a dedicated maintenance fund of at least $1 million, specifically for hospital upkeep and renovations.

“This fund will ensure we can address necessary repairs as they occur, preventing the facility from falling into disrepair,” he explained. This proactive approach aims to avoid significant setbacks and major renovations in the coming decades. The long term goal, according to Mr. Asante, is that no major repairs will be required for the next 30 to 40 years.

Mr. Asante highlighted the hospital’s commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the plan to power the entire facility using solar energy. He noted the ample roof space, making it ideal for solar farm installations.

“Once all four blocks of the facility are complete, we expect to have solar power for every light, significantly reducing our reliance on the national grid,” he stated, acknowledging the importance of an uninterrupted power supply in a hospital setting. He also noted the new readily available hot water supply to showers, kitchen areas and nurse stations, adding that this provision will ensure convenient access for everyone and prevent the need to transport hot water.

In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, Mr. Asante affirmed that steps have been taken to ensure the durability of the equipment. A contract has been secured with a reliable supplier for all installed components, with an expected lifespan of over twenty years. Furthermore, surplus equipment and spare parts have been proactively stocked in on-site stores, ensuring that repairs within the next five years can be done with high-quality, original parts.

Mr. Asante acknowledged that current concerns include securing a reliable water supply and addressing the overloaded transformers in the basement, adding that the team is actively seeking solutions to these critical areas. Mr. Asante concluded, “We are committed to ensuring the longevity of this facility and are aiming to avoid any major renovations or repairs to these blocks for the next 30 to 40 years.