The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has begun the construction of an ultra-modern three storey 12-unit classroom block at Tema Manhean Anglican Cluster of Schools.

The project, which is estimated to cost about GH¢1.4 million, is to be completed within 18 months to accommodate about 1,000 pupils in Tema Manhean.

The project when completed would have 12 classrooms, library facility, ICT centre, staff common rooms, and toilet facilities among others.

Mr Isaac Ashai Odamtten, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, who cut the sod, said funds were available for the completion of the project within the scheduled time.

Mr Odamtten said the project was borne out of collaboration between the TMA and the Anglican Church to develop the school, as the current structures were in a deplorable state.

He added that, the facility was in line with the Assembly’s aim to give the children in the Metropolis comprehensive development.

He gave the assurance that sporting facilities would also be constructed for the cluster of schools after the completion of the project.

According to him, all schools in the Metropolis would be fenced by his outfit to prevent encroachment.

Mrs Veronica Adzato-Ntem, the Tema Metropolitan Educational Director, said the facility when completed would facilitate learning and eradicate the shift system, because there would be enough classrooms.

Mrs Adzato-Ntem indicated that her outfit has put in measures to halt the decline of students’ performance in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the area.

She urged teachers to put in their best and appealed to the community to help maintain the facility when completed.

Mr Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Madam Sherry Ayittey, the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Nii Adjei Kraku II, the Paramount chief of Tema, all commended the Assembly for the project.

They advised pupils to take their studies serious since construction of an ultramodern school facility alone does not guarantee academic success.

They also implored parents to take good care of their children and always know their whereabouts to avoid falling prey to abductors.