DERA GHAZI KHAN: Five students and their teacher were injured in a roof collapse here on Wednesday in Mujahidabad Colony.

Reports said five students of Class-I and their teacher Rehana Tabassum were present in the classroom of Mujahidabad girls primary school when its roof collapsed.

On raising a hue and cry by children and teachers, people from the poverty-stricken neighbourhood rushed to the school and rescued the trapped. Rescue 1122 cleared the debris of the classroom.

School building was declared dangerous last year

Injured teacher Rehana Tabassum told Dawn that it was recess time when the roof collapsed and fortunately few students were in the classroom. She claimed that the buildings department had declared the structure dangerous last year but the authorities concerned did not pay heed to it.

All female teachers, including Headmistress Khadeeja Begum, claimed that they had repeatedly informed the authorities about the school building.

A buildings department official requesting anonymity said his colleague ex-SDO Sajjad Chugtai (late) had inspected the building of the school last year and recommended immediate reconstruction. He claimed that a report to the effect was sent to the district coordination officer and the education department for implementation.

Executive District Officer (Education) Mr Saleem told this correspondent that he was unaware of the issue.

“If it has already been reported, it is the duty of the district education officer to implement the findings of the buildings department.”

DCO Nadeemur Rehman, who was present on the spot, constituted an inquiry team to probe the delay in the reconstruction of the school building.

Rehman said he was not aware of the condition of the school building.

The DCO on behalf of the chief minister announced Rs25,000 compensation for each injured. He said all the injured after treatment at the hospital had been sent to their homes.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2015

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