OWOYOKUN Dolapo
We once had a critical analysis of the infrastructural condition of the historic Queen Elizabeth II Hall in a bid to create awareness as to the existing state of the hall’s amenities in the light of the increase in accommodation fees. Two months later, we are here again to do a follow up on our sensitisation. However, we wish to say that the antecedent article was a success by approximately 60-65%.
A brief preview of the antecedent article entails the improved facilities such as the lighting in and outside the hall, the door locks, and the deplorable ones such as the doors, the window nets, the tanks, the bathroom and the kitchenette. We are glad to say that, two months after installation, the improved facilities are still in good and working conditions; and with the same gladness, some of the deplorable facilities have been standardised.
These time two months ago a chronic eyesore in the infrastructures of Queens Hall was that there were some rooms without window panes and the occupants consequently had to improvise and put some materials to cover for the absence of the window panes. But still, these improvisations could not protect the occupants from the dangers of mosquitoes, windy rain and cold. Now, we can’t help but be thankful to the Hall management for arising to the needs of residents of Queens Hall and curing this eyesore.
Similarly, two months ago, it was sad to find that A Block, which is popularly known as where students with health challenges reside, did not have its machine pumping water for its four tanks. We learnt that it had been a while that the pumping machine had stopped working and as a result, the health challenged residents of the block had been forced to walk farther to other blocks to fetch water. The irony in this situation was bewildering.
However, now, we are glad to say that there is now a functioning pump machine in A Block. Hence, easier life for the residents of the block.
In the antecedent article, we pointed out the fact that although the locks installed then were strong and durable, they were befitting locks for unbefitting doors. However, there has been a change of story as befitting doors have been installed to further improve the security of residents of Queens Hall. The haggard doors have been replaced by strong and durable ones as seen in the pictures below.
However, the train of improvement in the infrastructures of Queens Hall has not reached its destination. There are still some facilities that are still as deplorable as they were two months ago. The most prominent amongst them is the kitchenette that stands against all health requirements of a standard kitchen. It is trite law in the hostel that residents must not cook in their rooms, otherwise, they shall suffer instant ejection from the hall premises. They are mandated to cook in the kitchenettes but it’s shocking to find that these recommended places are not even cooking friendly – very unhygienic environment, lacking the basic components of a standard cooking place such as proper drainage, amongst other requirements – but rather an abode of disease.
In conclusion, in the midst of our gratitude for the considerable improvement of the infrastructures and amenities of the historic Queen Elizabeth II Hall, we can’t help but keep seeking for a complete rejuvenation of the infrastructural conditions of Queens Hall
