AWMS 2Rs Committee Updates

AWMS 2Rs Campaign Committee – Update #2

October 2021

On June 1, 2021, the 2Rs Campaign acknowledged with thanks receipt of drawings of the 1865 main administrative building, from Architect Mr. Manilius Garber of Jarrett Yaskey Garber and Associates.

The campaign currently awaits the Assessment Report of these drawings to enable it to proceed to the next step – the official engagement of the services of a Structural Engineering Firm, a Quantity Surveyor and a Contractor.

The Assessment Report will also include:

1. A schedule of the dilapidation to be addressed, outlining the defects and solutions for the defects.
2. A schedule of works and Bills of Quantities
3. Nomination and engagement of a Contractor to undertake the works as identified
4. Supervision of the renovation works

AWMS 2Rs Campaign Committee – Update #3


November 2021

Moving forward with our aim to provide a structurally safe building for both students and teachers, a healthy and conducive environment that enhances teaching and learning, and at the same time maintain the façade of the oldest building, the 2Rs Campaign Committee has engaged the services of Techsult & Co Ltd, Consulting Engineers, of 26 Percival Street, Freetown as Structural Engineers for the Restoration and Rehabilitation Project of the 1865 Main Building of the School.
In their capacity as Structural Engineers, Techsult & Co Ltd will undertake the following:

• Inspection, tests, analysis and preparation of structural drawings
• Supervision of the construction work

Following further discussions with the Campaign Committee, on Friday October 22, 2021, Techsult & Co Ltd, have further agreed to undertake the recruitment of the services of a Quantity Surveyor and a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer to advance the project.

The 2Rs Campaign Committee currently awaits the:

• Structural Drawings from Techsult & Co, Ltd which will take about 6 weeks
• the drawings of the Mechanical and Electrical Engineer and
• Quantities from the Quantity Surveyor

These dimensions mean increase in cost and the need for more funds. We would therefore need to embark on fundraisers to meet these new projections.

This challenge is on all of us, for Unity is Strength. Let’s work hard to preserve the AWMS 1865 Main Building

Committee for Restoration & Rehabilitation

AWOGA Presidents’ Council

AWMS 2Rs Campaign Committee – Update #4


April 2022

First a recap from Update #3
In their capacity as Structural Engineers, Techsult & Co Ltd will undertake the following:

• Inspection, tests, analysis, and preparation of structural drawing
• Supervision of the construction work

Following further discussions with the Campaign Committee, on Friday, October 22, 2021, Techsult & Co, Ltd., further agreed to undertake the recruitment of the services of a Quantity Surveyor and a Mechanical and Electrical Engineer to advance the project.

Following up on the above from Update 3, the AWMS 2Rs Campaign has made the following progress:

• A formal agreement detailing binding financial costs has been reached and signed by both contracting parties – The AWMS 2Rs Campaign and Techsult & Co Ltd., Consulting Engineers, of 26 Percival Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone, as Structural Engineers for the Project. This agreement also includes binding financial agreements with Harstec and Associates the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering firm, and Ron Greene and Associates the Quantity Surveyors
• A request for exemption from Goods and Services Tax (GST) due National Revenue Authority (NRA) by the campaign for the project, has been forwarded to His Lordship the Bishop, in his capacity as Proprietor and Chairman, Board of Governors, for onward transmission to the NRA. This request is based on the “Exemption under the Second Schedule of the ‘Goods and Services Tax Act’ that educational institutions can benefit from a status exemption under certain circumstances

The Campaign awaits further development on these fronts.

Further Updates to follow.

Fundraising Continues.

Also, the souvenir flash drives spotlighting the rationale for this 1865 Project, held on January 10, 2021, are still available for sale. Please contact the Campaign’s Treasurer, Dr. Boi-Betty Udom, at bontonia61@gmail.com

AWMS 2Rs Campaign Committee – Update #5


October 2022

First a recap from Update #4

A formal agreement detailing binding financial costs has been reached and signed by both contracting parties – The AWMS 2Rs Campaign and Techsult & Co Ltd, Consulting Engineers, of 26 Percival Street, Freetown as Structural Engineers for the Project.

This agreement also includes binding financial agreements with:

• Harstec and Associates the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering firm, and
• Associates the Quantity Surveyors

A request for exemption from Goods and Services Tax (GST) due National Revenue Authority (NRA) by the campaign for the project, has been forwarded to His Lordship the Bishop, in his capacity as Proprietor and Chairman, Board of Governors, for onward transmission to the NRA. This request is based on the ‘Exemption under the Second Schedule of the Goods and Services Tax Act’ that educational institution can benefit from a status of tax exemption under certain circumstances.

Following up on the above from Update 4, the AWMS 2Rs Campaign has made the following progress:

• Continuation of professional assessments by Harstec and Associates the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering firm, and Ron Greene and Associates the Quantity Surveyors.
• Consultations and coordination between Project Manager Techsult and Monuments and Relics Commission: to ensure that proper measures are taken to preserve the façade of this historical building so as not to frustrate any possible registration of the building as per the status of The Monuments and Relics Commission. Decision on selection of appropriate materials for Roof and Windows and quantities/cost analysis tied to outcome of these considerations.
• The letter of exemption from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) signed by His Lordship the Bishop was forwarded to the Ministry of Finance as directed.
• The Campaign still awaits a response from the Ministry of Finance for the exemption of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

1. The Campaign will continue to provide updates on the project as substantive progress continues to be made on these fronts.
2. Also, the Souvenir Flash Drive spotlighting the rationale for this 1865 Project, held on January 10, 2021, is still available for a minimum donation of twenty dollars ($20). For further information or to place an order for the flash drive, please contact the Campaign’s Treasurer – Dr Boi-Betty Udom, at bontonia61@gmail.com, or through the Campaign’s email address info@awms2rscampaign.org, or its telephone number 202.967.5514.

Your continuing interest and support for the AWMS2Rs Campaign is highly valued and deeply appreciated.

Thank You!

AWMS 2Rs Campaign Committee – Update #6

July 2022

RECAP OF UPDATE #5

• Continuation of professional assessments by Harstec and Associates the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering firm, and Ron Greene and Associates the Quantity Surveyors.
• Consultations and coordination between Project Manager Techsult and Monuments and Relics Commission: to ensure that proper measures are taken to preserve the façade of this historical building so as not to frustrate any possible registration of the building as per the status of The Monuments and Relics Commission. Decision on selection of appropriate materials for Roof and Windows and quantities/cost analysis tied to outcome of these considerations.
• The letter of exemption from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) signed by His Lordship the Bishop was forwarded to the Ministry of Finance as directed.
  The Campaign still awaits a response from the Ministry of Finance for the exemption of the Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  

UPDATE #6

• Following the achievements of the 2Rs campaign as per update #5, The Campaign wishes to keep all our donors, patrons, well-wishers, and friends abreast of the current situation.
• STILL ONGOING: Consultations and coordination between Project Manager Techsult and Monuments and Relics Commission: to ensure that proper measures are taken to preserve the façade of this historical building so as not to frustrate any possible registration of the building as per the status of The Monuments and Relics Commission. Decision on selection of appropriate materials for Roof and Windows and quantities/cost analysis tied to outcome of these considerations. In consultation with Techsult Co. the 2Rs Campaign was advised and it agreed that replacement of the roof is of extreme priority due to the infestation of termites. On this basis, Techsult projected quantities for contractors to bid on and so far, three bids have been duly tendered. However, due to the current political situation and the fluctuation of the Leone against the dollar we would like to wait until the situation stabilizes to proceed. To date, no reply or communication has been received from the Ministry of Finance on the subject of exemption from the Goods and Services Tax. We confirm however that it was signed by the Bishop and duly delivered. Fundraising is ongoing, particularly as inflation looms and additional requirements/associated costs are uncovered. We continue to pray for stability in the country and good health for our business partners as we try our best to keep the wheels turning on our various projects.

AWMS 2Rs Campaign Committee – Update #7

January 27, 2024

I.     RECAP CULLED FROM UPDATE 6

In consultation with Techsult Co. the 2Rs Campaign was advised and it agreed that replacement of the roof is of extreme priority due to the infestation of termites.

On this basis, Techsult projected quantities for contractors to bid on and so three bids were duly tendered. However, due to the fragile political situation and the fluctuation of the Leone against the dollar we tried to wait until the situation stabilized to proceed.

Following the successful negotiations of the 2Rs campaign as detailed in Update 6, the Campaign wishes to apprise all our donors, well-wishers and friends of the very favorable and impactful decisions reached with Techsult and Co Ltd – the Consultant and Supervising Authority/Project Manager–Trine Investment SL Ltd – the approved contractor, the school’s principals, and to share The Inception Report incorporating the start date of the project and photographs of current work on the roof of the building highlighting the work in progress.

II.     ROOFING OF ADMINISTRATIVE AND SCHOOL HALL BUILDINGS AS PER THE INCEPTION REPORT PROVIDED BY THE CONTRACTOR AND APPROVED BY THE CONSULTANT, DATED JANUARY 20, 2024

A.     Specific Objective of the Assignment

The specific objective of Phase 1 of the project is the roofing of the Administrative and school hall buildings.

B.     Contract Details:

C.     Contractor’s State of Mobilization

The Contractor has been engaged on site on the project since the commencement date. Store Space allocation has been secured to store materials.

D.     Status of Project

A kickoff meeting was held between Techsult, the Contractor and the Principals of both JS and SS Schools on 15th January 2024. At the meeting, the Engineer explained that the scope of work will be executed in phases.

The first phase of rehabilitation work entails the re-roofing of the Administrative and School Hall Buildings only.

A decision was reached to operate outside school hours. Normal school session closes at 1:45pm, so in order not to disrupt learning, workers will start work from 2pm onwards on Mondays through Fridays, and on Saturdays and Sundays normal working hours will prevail.

Work commenced on the School Hall Building on 9th January 2024. The roofing sheets have been removed.

E.     Financial Status

1. Consultant/Project Manager

An advance payment of 20% of the lump sum fee amounting to Le. 29,700 (NEW) was paid to the Consultant to cover mobilization of the services.

The Consultant also received payment of 55% of the Lump sum cost which was due after completion of Design Drawings and Bills of Quantities amounting to Le 81,000. (NEW)

2. Contractor

On 16th January 2024, the Contractor received 50% advance payment for roofing of the Administrative and School Hall Buildings which amounts to USD $17,547.50

We are still conscious of the fact that the school may be a Heritage Site. Hence efforts will be made to maintain its original architecture.

Please continue to support the 2Rs campaign with your donations. To see the many options to donate go to our Ways to Donate page.

For information regarding donations or other matters, please contact us using the Campaign’s email address; info@awms2rscampaign.org, or its telephone number +1 202-967-5514.

Your continued support and interest remain invaluable and deeply appreciated.

AWMS 2Rs Campaign Committee – Update #8

June 5, 2024

The Committee for Restoration and Rehabilitation (2Rs) at AWMS is pleased to inform you of the satisfactory progress of the Campaign’s project to Restore and Rehabilitate the AWMS Main Administration Building and the School Hall.

After unexpected “fits and starts” following the launch of the campaign and its initial fundraiser on January 10, 2021, reconstruction work eventually commenced on January 9, 2024.

With AWMS under consideration for designation as a Heritage Site, there is high sensitivity to preserving the original architecture of these buildings. Consultations are on-going with representatives of THE Sierra Leone Monuments & Relics Commission to ensure that no aspect of the project would hinder any future endeavor of the school to gain registration of the related buildings under such commission.

The Scope of Work for this restoration and rehabilitation project is being implemented in three phases as follows:

Phase One: Re-roofing of the Administrative and School Hall Buildings – this phase was completed at the end of April 2024. Pictures accompany this update on the 2Rs Campaign’s website.

Phase Two:  Electrical, Plumbing and Ceiling Restoration

Phase Three: Replacement of the timber floors in the Admin Building.

Phase Two and Phase Three are scheduled to be done concurrently in July/August 2024, during the period that school would be closed. This would give enough time for the electrical and plumbing layout to be done and for the concrete to cure before being used.    

Trine Investments Ltd. is expected to continue as contractor for these phases. Its Principal, Ing. Tom Taylor-Morgan has been most accommodating and is working well with Project Managers at Techsult, AWMS Principals, members of the AWMS Estate Committee (a sub-Committee of The AWMS Development Committee), as well as the 2Rs Campaign Committee, for appropriate implementation of the project.

The 2Rs Committee is appreciative of the confidence and moral support received from Supporters and Friends of AWMS & AWOGA, AWOGANS and AWMS Alumnae worldwide, as evidenced by financial contributions. As we journey on to Phases Two and Three of the projects, we are cognizant of financial challenges ahead based on significant cost inflation. AND OTHER CONTINGENCIES. We therefore appeal for your continuing financial contributions to enable us to complete this mission successfully. Contributions may be made using the following options:

For information regarding donations or other matters, please contact us using the Campaign’s email address: info@awms2rscampaign.org, or its telephone number 202-967-5514, or visit the website http://awms2rscampaign.org.

Your continued support and interest remain invaluable and deeply appreciated.

AWMS 2Rs Project – Update #9

October 2024

The Committee for Restoration and Rehabilitation (2Rs) at AWMS is pleased to provide you with a status report on the Campaign’s project to Restore and Rehabilitate the AWMS Main Administration Building and the School Hall. Project Team of Contractor, Trine Investments SL Ltd., and its leader, Ing. Tom Taylor Morgan, and Project Manager/Supervising Authority, Techsult & Co. Ltd, continue to work collaboratively and successfully with input from school principals. Members of the 2Rs Campaign Committee and the AWMS Estate Committee (a sub-Committee of The AWMS Development Committee) remain engaged to ensure appropriate implementation of the project.

As reported previously, Phase One: Re-roofing of the Administrative and School Hall Buildings, was completed at the end of April 2024.

Continuing in accordance with the Scope of Work and Work Plan, a contract priced at US $42,433.30 was signed on August 20, 2024, for implementation of Phase Two: Construction of Reinforced Concrete Suspended Slab and Ancillary Works for the Administrative Building – Replacement of the Timber Floors. Work commenced at the Administrative Building on August 26,2024 with the dismantling of wooden floors on the different sections excluding the area above the principal’s office. The section above the principal’s office and the School Hall will be done subsequently. It is expected Phase Two will be completed at the end of this month. Attached are pictures of recent developments made per the work plan.

Work on the final phase, Phase Three:  Electrical, Plumbing and Ceiling Restoration, will commence thereafter, following reconciliation and incorporation of pertinent parts of AWOGA UK’s Washroom Project through JMS Engineering Services into the work plan by Trine Investments SL Ltd. A cost estimate for this phase will be generated subsequently.

The 2Rs Committee is appreciative of the patience and graciousness shown by donors as the project progresses. As advances are made through the various phases, financing challenges persist from unexpected job add-ons, inflationary pressures, and on-going currency fluctuations. Actual expenses have far outpaced initial cost estimates. Fortunately, and thankfully, there have been a few resolute donors and AWOGA Branch contributors who have stepped up to fill funding gaps. The opportunity is taken at this time to gratefully recognize the significant donation made in memoriam of AWOGA Carolinas Executive member The Late Mrs, Christiana Redwood-Sawyerr by a donor she had sourced, who wishes to remain anonymous. Though this boost in resources will carry the project a long way, the Committee is appealing for additional funding needed to see the project through completion. Contributions may be made using the following options:

For information regarding donations or other matters, please contact us using the Campaign’s email address: info@awms2rscampaign.org, or its telephone number 202-967-5514, or visit the website http://awms2rscampaign.org.

Your continued support and interest remain invaluable and deeply appreciated.