Nov 20, 2008

Balochistan: Quake Damage Devastates Schools


Active ImageAn already crumbling education infrastructure has been destroyed by October earthquake.

 

 
Below is an article by the Associated Press of Pakistan:

Balochistan Education Minister Shafiq Ahmed Khan on Wednesday said that October 29 [2008] earthquake destroyed 98% educational institutions in Ziarat, 50% in Loralai and Pishin and 25 % in Quetta.

Talking to APP here [Quetta] the minister said that the destruction of the educational institutions is a big blow to education which was already in ruined condition.

He said that in a meeting due on Nov 21 [2008] with Faryal Talpur he would take up the issue and demand funds for the damaged schools and promotion of education in the province.

He said that due to persistent earthquake jerks in Ziarat and other areas the department decided to take exams on November 10 [2008] instead of December 15 [2008]. Moreover, the repair work of the damaged schools can’t be started at the moment due to extremely cold weather and shortage of funds.

The minister said that during the last four months I ordered establishment of four intermediate boards instead of the previous one and held surprise visits of educational institutions of all districts. During these visits more than 3500 ghost teachers were dug out and terminated.

He assured that textbooks would be available in all districts by end February [2009] and the DCO and DEO Education would be responsible for distribution of these books.