UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The deteriorating state of the halls of residence at National Teachers College Kabale, with condemned asbestos roofs, has prompted some students to find accommodation outside the college premises.
The principal, Ms Annet Komunda, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasising that the condemned and leaking asbestos roofs not only pose a health hazard but also create problems for students, especially during the rainy seasons.
Ms Komunda revealed that the college administration has appealed to the government and its partners for immediate intervention, estimating a need for approximately USh3.7 billion for the rehabilitation of the seven dilapidated halls of residence, including the removal of the condemned asbestos sheets.
In August 2019, the college received USh9.4 billion for the partial rehabilitation of the pedagogy department, concluding in August 2020.
The Minister of Education, Ms Janet Museveni, commissioned the project in November 2020. Funded by the Government of Uganda and its Belgian partners under the Enabel project, the rehabilitation included 15 lecture rooms, three science laboratories, a resource centre, a dining hall, sports grounds, an administration block, and a kindergarten complex, costing €1,962,445 (USh8 billion).
Despite this investment, additional funds are required for the rehabilitation of students’ halls of residence and staff quarters.
The ongoing situation has forced some students to seek accommodation off-campus, causing inconvenience and security concerns for their lives and properties.
Ms Komunda stated that they have already informed the Ministry of Education and Sports, along with the Ministry of Health and other development partners, about the dilapidated state of the halls of residence and are awaiting their response.
With an enrollment of 980 students pursuing diplomas in primary education and diplomas in early childhood education, the college has plans to elevate its status to a degree-awarding institution under the Uganda National Institute for Teacher Education (UNITE), set to commence in July this year.
The health risks associated with asbestos exposure are well-documented. Health experts warn that asbestos exposure can lead to lung cancer, larynx cancer, ovarian cancer, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, may become trapped in the lungs, causing scarring, inflammation, and serious respiratory problems over time.
Shortness of breath, coughing, permanent lung damage, and the accumulation of fluid between the thin layers of tissue lining the lungs and chest cavity are among the health issues linked to asbestos exposure, as outlined in a report by the National Cancer Institute.
The urgency of addressing the asbestos roofs at National Teachers College Kabale is underscored by the potential risks to the health and safety of both students and staff.
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