Directorate of Works & Physical Development

Ho Technical University - Works & Physical Development Directorate

Works & Physical Development

Delivering excellence in Infrastructural Development, Maintenance, and Physical planning at Ho Technical University.

Director's Profile

Dr. Nicholas K. Awagah

Director of Works and Physical Development (since September 2019)

Dr. Nicholas K. Awagah has served as Director of Works and Physical Development at Ho Technical University since September 2019 to date. Before this, he was Municipal Engineer for five (5) Municipal and District Assemblies under Ghana's Local Government Service from 2001. He completed national service with the Ghana Highways Authority in Ho and undertook practical attachments with A.E.S.L. in Ho and worked with various private firms.

Dr Nicholas K. Awagah holds a PhD in Construction Management from the University of Johannesburg, an MSc in Procurement Management and a BSc in Building Technology from KNUST, and an HND in Building Technology from Accra Technical University.

A professional Quantity Surveyor and Building Technologist, he is a member of GhIS, AGIPS, GhIOC, and MIET. With over twenty-six (26) years in public-sector quantity surveying, procurement, construction, and engineering management, plus four (4) years of part-time teaching at the university level, he brings strong ICT, communication, and organizational skills.

GhIS | AGIPS | GhIOC | MIET

Background

The Development Office was established in January 2005 and was subsequently upgraded to the Directorate of Works and Physical Development. It was first headed by Mr. Charles K. Atitsogbui as the Development Officer (DO) until February 2015. Dr. George Harrison Coffie became the Acting Director from February 2015 until August 2019.

In September 2019, Surv. Nicholas K. Awagah became the first substantive Director of the Directorate of Works and Physical Development, to date.

Core Mandate

The core mandate of the directorate is to advise the Entity Tender Committee (ETC) on all matters and issues affecting works procurement and tenders on all infrastructural and other development projects of the University to enable the Entity Tender Committee to make informed decisions to achieve and obtain value for money. The directorate coordinates and directs the functions of the various units under it. The Works and Physical Development Directorate is an integral part of the Central Administration, providing Technical Services for the physical planning and Development of the University.

Vision

To become an excellent provider of technically advanced, service-oriented infrastructural development and maintenance activities of the University sustainably towards promoting a convenient environment for teaching and learning.

Mission

To be responsible for the overall development and maintenance of the physical environment of the University and the provision of essential services in an efficient and effective manner.

Key Achievements

Implementation of an alternative self-sustaining Water Supply System for the University

Submission and adoption of the proposal for consideration of alternative options to financing and occupying the University's Unrenovated Bungalows

Implementation of the Direct Labour Concept – maximising untapped direct labourers & artisans, cutting costs and reducing reliance on external artisans

Project Supervision Consultancy Services – supervising projects and providing consultancy for university infrastructure, reducing costs on external consultants

Institutionalised an Efficient and Effective Maintenance Management Culture – reduced lead time for resolving maintenance and infrastructure issues

Staff Capacity

S/N	Category of Staff	No. of Staff
1	Director of Works & Physical Development	1
2	Ag. Estate Officer	1
3	Asst. Dev't. Officer	2
4	Chief Technician	1
5	Chief Dev't. Assistant	1
6	Prin. Dev't. Assistant	1
7	Administrative Secretary	1
8	Electricians	2
9	Carpenters	6
10	Masons	3
11	Plumber	4
12	Air-Conditioner Technicians	2
13	Painters	2
14	Weeders	4
15	Mowers Operators	4
16	Gardeners	3
17	Conservancy Labourers	8
18	Cleaners	37
	TOTAL	83