Kumasi, Oct 1, GNA - The first phase of a 16-room hostel constructed by the Students Representative Council (SRC) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has been completed and handed over to the Council.

Mr Ben Odame, an architect, speaking at the handing over in Kumasi on Friday, said the project, which was started four years ago was executed by two construction firms, Kuffuor and Haller Construction and the University Construction Limited. He said it the project estimated at one billion cedis was being financed through the contributions of the students.

Mr Thomas Nyarko Ampem, President of the SRC, said the hostel was embarked upon to help alleviate the housing problems, which faced the students. He said all the phases of the project made up of four blocks estimated to cost 15 billion cedis would accommodate 1,000 students. The SRC President said the students who would occupy the flats were expected to pay a rent of 1.7 million cedis a year.

Mr Ampem disclosed that the board of trustees of the project contributed 100 million cedis with Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene donating 50 million cedis. He appealed to individuals, Churches and non-governmental organisations to donate towards the completion of the project. Professor Kwesi Andam, Vice-Chancellor, commended the SRC for its efforts and expressed the hope that the project would help in solving students' accommodation problems.