Developing A Maintenance Culture In Managing Public Facilities

Maintenance culture is one of the most important factors influencing correct conduct, without which it is difficult to achieve stated goals. Culture is necessary in maintaining amenities, which is important for development. However, abandonment and deterioration of infrastructure such as public buildings are common due to a lack of culture among stakeholders involved in the maintenance process. Thus, creating a maintenance culture is critical to raising awareness about maintenance work in public buildings.

I just visited Fort Prinzenstein, a very old fort in Ghana's Volta Region. The Danes built the fort over 232 years ago in Keta, which was previously used in the slave trade. It served as an open port until Tema Harbor began operating. The fort, which has been designated a World Heritage Site due to its historical significance, currently appears to be worthless as a result of degradation and disintegration in the fabric and services. This is a destination that attracts tourists from all over the world, but the horrible state of the place has dashed all expectations for those that visit.

A national treasure like Fort Prinzenstein, with all of its earnings, receives little routine upkeep to preserve the site. A protected monument in the custody of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board (GMMB) is experiencing maintenance issues due to a lack of regular inspections. The docents there, who are supposed to report difficulties to the relevant authority, have abandoned their duty and are just focused in how they can stuff their pockets because the place is a revenue creation machine for the Ghanaian government, despite the fact that it is not well-maintained.

We met a docent at the fort, who charged us three cedis for the fifty participants we brought along, and five cedis for the five adults. Other tourists were present at the time we went, and more were arriving while we were there. However, the docent was unable to reveal where the collected funds are directed.

Maintenance culture is something we lack as a country, and it applies to almost everything held by the government, even forts. It is time for residents and authorities to reconsider how government infrastructure may be maintained while simultaneously cultivating an ownership mindset. Heritage sites provide as proof of human relationships. They serve as a common historical legacy that promotes cultural interchange. The preservation of these places is critical since the properties are at risk of total deterioration if sufficient safeguards are not in place.