ENHANCING EFFICIENT MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY OF SELECTED INSTITUTIONS IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS

ABSTRACT 

Provision of adequate housing has remained a daunting challenge in the country particularly in urban areas following the high demand for housing. Most public residential buildings are characterized by a poor state of maintenance. Timely maintenance and proper management of buildings prevent their deterioration, provide a pleasant and comfortable living environment and uphold their value. This study seeks to enhance efficient maintenance of public buildings in Ghana, a case study of selected institutions in the Tamale Metropolis. The data collection instruments used for the study were questionnaires, interview and observation. The analysis of the respondents’ responses was done through combined method system of tables and figures. The total population of 95 respondents were used and the sample size was 88 and was sampled as follows; Staff of Dabokpa Technical Institute 26, Students of Dabokpa Technical Institute 20, Workers of University for Development Studies 20, and Workers of Tamale Teaching Hospital 22. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample out the 88 respondents and were administered with questionnaires. Interview was conducted on maintenance managers and officers of Tamale Teaching Hospital. Observation was made on building components and services of all the three public institutions to gather data for the study. The objectives of the study were to; assess the current state of building components of public buildings, identify factors affecting maintenance of buildings of public institutions and device appropriate maintenance policies and practices for the maintenance departments of public institutions. The study revealed that the defective components of buildings in public institutions negatively affects the comfort of users and occupants. The defects identified included cracks on walls, faded painting, roof leakages, exposed foundations and choked drains. The study further revealed that public buildings deteriorate very early after their construction as a result of lack of maintenance culture and faulty design of buildings. The study recommends that; adequate funds should be made available for maintenance of public buildings and also the mentality of users and occupants of public buildings seriously needs to be addressed on the importance of maintenance culture through mass education and public campaigns. Also maintenance Log Book needs to be developed and implemented at the maintenance departments of public institutions for effective record keeping.