A plan for Kona construction of two classrooms

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this project is to show how the Planning Assistant can contribute towards the development of the country by helping villagers to understand self-help projects like School, Church, Road and Latrine to improve their communities. Reconnaissance surveys were out in a number of villages within commuting distance from Kumasi. The purpose was to study their problems which can be solved by self-help and priority was given to the projects which conformed with the following criteria: i. represent an improvement of physical nature and of immediate use to the inhabitants; ii. meet the “felt needs” of the people; iii. be capable of completion by 1 May 1968; iv. allow a maximum of repair and maintenance; v. allow for a maximum use of technical know-how and local materials with emphasis on self-help and community development techniques; vi. cause a net saving for the community. Detailed investigations were made in five villages visited. The Chiefs and their committee members were met and problems facing each village were discussed. It was after such investigation that the construction of a Primary School (two classrooms) was finally selected for study and implementation. After a careful observation of the inhabitants at one of their communal labour days, and relating their effort to the work and materials available I concluded that they would be very progressive and keen on self-help projects. They have built their own Post Office and school through self-help and they have also proposed to build a market , culverts, removal latrines, a Henderson Box and a community centre. The report is in three parts: i. Planning of Village ii. Research (research into Kente weaving and stamped cloths as an economic base of the village) iii. Implementation of Project. Although the author has had courses in building construction, he is not qualified to be an expert in that field. The advice of technicians and professionals was sought in order to give the project a firm standing in its design. The First chapter deals with the selection of village and the project. In this chapter an account is given of surveys carried out, the problems each village faced and then how the selection of the final project was reached. The Second chapter is a study of the village. The historical, physical, social and economic conditions are discussed. The Third chapter is on the proposals made as a result of the analysis of existing conditions in the village. The Fourth chapter deals with the research part of the project, research was carried out into Kente weaving and stamped cloths as an economic base of the people by tracing the genesis of the industry and treating it on a wide scale to a small scale at the village. It deals with the importance of the industry to planning. Chapter Five shows the various Government departments connected with the project. Estimate of cost, purchase of materials, labour and supervision of the project are all treated. It also examines the stages through which constructional work passed. This describes the chronological stages of the project from start to finish. The Sixth and last chapter contains conclusions and recommendations.

Source: KNUST