Rs. 2 billion required for rehabilitation of flood-affected schools in KP
PESHAWAR (APP): The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Education Department on Monday revealed that more than Rs. 2 billion are required for the rehabilitation of schools affected by floods in the province.
According to official sources, a final report prepared by the department and submitted to the Chief Secretary’s Office highlights the severe challenges facing the province’s educational infrastructure. The report includes details of the damaged schools and estimated costs for their restoration.
As per the findings, a total of 370 schools across 14 districts have been affected by last summer floods, including 58 schools that were completely destroyed and 312 that suffered partial damage.
As per the the report primary schools rehabilitation requires Rs. 35 million each, while middle schools Rs. 26 million each, high schools, Rs. 75 million each and higher secondary schools require Rs 65 million each.
For completely destroyed schools, construction of at least six classrooms has been proposed. For partially damaged institutions, the restoration budget will be based on assessments by District Education Officers (DEOs).
The report also recommends introducing prefabricated primary schools in flood-hit areas to ensure the immediate continuation of education.
To cope with the educational crisis, the provincial government has allocated Rs. 5 billion under an Education Emergency Fund and has appealed to international organizations for support. A request has been made to UNICEF for the provision of tents to set up temporary classrooms.
The document further stresses the need for a clear rehabilitation strategy, recommending the immediate repair of partially damaged schools and prioritization of high-enrolment institutions. It also advises giving priority to primary schools in areas where no alternative schools exist within a 4 km radius.
