Last month a building adjacent to Makerere university wholly collapsed on its foundation; burying along a few of its residents. Life, limb and property was lost in the process. Investigations revealed substantial amounts of substandard materials had been employed in the building process.
Halls of residence at Makerere university have stood the test of time, majestic and infallible they stand at least in the passerby’s eyes. Only residents seem to realise the fact that ill management and the passing of time have pushed sections of these halls just like most Makerere university structures to the final stages of decay! One of the room occupants in Livingstone hall, decries of the state of affairs.
For the last 8 months, he’s relentlessly appealed to the authorities to work upon his room. His room is nothing but an exposed condemned room, a death trap! His ceiling board looks like one that’s threatens to cave in any time. Decayed card board cover part of the what is left of his ceiling, the other part is exposed, skeletons of the wooden framework welcome you to the room giving the room rather nasty appearance.
“The authorities are aware of the rot of this ceiling! They promise to work on this! “is his reply to my casual inquiry. “The authorities claim they have the desire to work upon the room. They however are frustrated by the luck of funds,” he adds. A few of the last floor rooms leak when it rains! Pedestrian strategies are employed to overcome the leak.
Polythene bags are used to cover up the holes in the ceiling. But this only reduces the intensity of the problem not the entire problem! “On rainy days I have to transfer the position of my bed from the point of focus of ” the overhead sprinkler!” Sarcastically remarks Joe, the room occupant! ” he laments!
The room E-15 residents were reluctant to disclose their identities, possibly afraid of a backlash. The corridor ceilings are equally in a dismal state. Ugly rust brown patches dot the hitherto white cardboard ceiling.
Luckily for these occupants; the roof has a finishing of tiles. “Each night I go to bed unaware if I’ll wake in one peace. I can’t wait to get my head out of this room before disaster strikes,” the disgruntled student adds.
“It’s policy that each close of school semester, we do renovate! We certainly shall renovate!” opined the outgoing Interior Minister, Buwembo.
You must be logged in to post a comment.