Unsafe School Buildings in Malakand, Pakistan: A Growing Concern
In Malakand, Pakistan, up to 80% of government school buildings have been declared unsafe, posing a threat to students, teachers, and staff. The Communication and Works Department of Swat district highlights that many of these structures, some dating back to 1912 and 1926, are at risk of collapsing. The District Education Officer confirmed the poor condition of these buildings, with 11 schools in PK-23 constituency needing complete reconstruction.
Despite consistent documentation of these issues by provincial authorities, no action has been taken. The public is urging for the reconstruction of these buildings to ensure student safety. In July 2024, a classroom roof collapse in Tangaar village injured six children, three critically. They were treated at Matta Tehsil Headquarters Hospital and later transferred to Saidu Teaching Hospital.
Another incident involved a school bus accident in Khwazakhela tehsil, resulting in one child’s death and injuries to 41 others. Education officials stress the need for rehabilitation of flood-damaged schools, especially for girls. Challenges like inadequate infrastructure, natural disasters, and lack of resources threaten education in Swat. Many schools remain unrepaired after the 2022 floods, leaving students at risk.
Doubts Revealed
Malakand -: Malakand is a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and is located in the northern part of the country.
Government school buildings -: These are schools that are run and funded by the government. They provide education to children without charging fees or with minimal fees.
Unsafe buildings -: Unsafe buildings are structures that are not strong or stable enough, which means they could fall down or cause harm to people inside them. This is especially dangerous in places like schools where many children are present.
Century old -: Century old means something that is 100 years old or more. In this context, it refers to school buildings that were built a long time ago and may not be safe anymore.
Reconstruction -: Reconstruction means rebuilding something that is damaged or old. In this case, it refers to rebuilding the unsafe school buildings to make them safe for students and teachers.
Flood-damaged schools -: These are schools that have been damaged by floods, which are large amounts of water that cover land that is usually dry. Floods can cause a lot of damage to buildings and make them unsafe.
Swat -: Swat is a valley and an administrative district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance.
