The community of Babile in the Lawra Municipality is alarmed by the rapid deterioration of a newly constructed fire service post, which is collapsing just four years after its completion. A recent visit to the site revealed significant damage, including a collapsed wall, destroyed ceiling, and visible cracks in the walls, pillars, and beams.
“I am shocked that the wind has pushed the wall down, leaving the roof hanging. It’s surprising,” said Kadoe Dapilah Vitus, Regent of Babile, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency. He expressed concern about the building’s structural integrity and the lack of essential services, including electricity and water.
The fire service post, constructed in 2020, was intended to provide critical emergency services to the community. However, its current state is deemed uninhabitable for fire personnel. Mr. Vitus emphasized the need for a functional fire service post, citing frequent fire outbreaks in the community, including a recent incident at the Babile Polyclinic.
Zola Dabuo, Assembly Member of the Babile Electoral Area, questioned the building’s ability to serve its purpose, given its poor construction. “This place they have built for us is now like a flower, beautifying the community. It has started collapsing, and we are afraid that if it is not worked on, the wind can take off the entire roof,” he said.
Mr. Dabuo revealed that the youth of Babile, with support from an independent Parliamentary Candidate, Joseph Baanaa Dabuo, have taken initiative to rebuild the collapsed portion of the building. However, they face challenges, including a request from the Northern Electricity Company (NEDCo) to pay GH¢6000 to connect the facility to the national grid.
Gregory Tengzu, Bipola Naa (Youth President) of Babile, appealed for a fire tender to be allocated to the facility when it becomes operational. “We are pleading that if the office is opened, the government should give us a fire tender. Otherwise, will the officers use buckets of water to quench the fire in case of a fire outbreak?” he asked.
