113 militancy-hit schools rebuilt in K-PP

Most schools damaged by militancy and floods rebuilt

PESHAWAR: After being damaged by militants over a four year period, the Provincial Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Settlement Authority (PaRRSA) has managed to rebuild 113 militancy-affected schools in the Malakand division with support from the USAID.

A further eight militancy-hit schools in different parts of Malakand division are currently under construction and work on them is expected to be completed later year.

From 2008 to 2012, militants had targeted around 309 educational institutes in the region, mostly girl’s schools including primary, middle, high, and higher secondary schools. This included 134 schools which were destroyed in Swat, 21 in Lower Dir, seven in Bunner and the remaining in Upper Dir and other areas of the Malakand Division.

According to PaRRSA data, of the schools damaged, 180 were fully damaged and 129 were partially damaged.

Of these, the PaRRSA has so far rebuilt 113 schools with financial support from USAID.

Of the total schools rebuilt, 79 are in Swat, 12 in Buner, 20 in Lower Dir and two in Upper Dir.

Similarly, of the 107 flood-affected schools across the province, the PaRRSA has rebuilt eight schools including the Government Girls Middle School in Lalkho Qaymabad of Swat, Government Primary School No-2 Maloch in Swat, Government High School Sadbar Kalay in Lower Dir, Government Primary School Raidgai in Lower Dir, Government Primary School Jalala Kot in Malakand district, Government Primary School Shahidaan in Charsadda, Government Primary School Kandi Tazadin in Nowshera and the Government Girls Primary School Pashtun Garri in Nowshera.

According to a PaRRSA spokesperson, of the schools rebuilt, they have provided furniture in 109 schools till June 30.

Of the flood-affected schools in the province rebuilt, furniture has been provided to six of those schools.

The PaRRSA official said that with support from USAID, they have provided basic facilities for students and teaching staff at 115 militancy and flood-affected schools in the region.

Similarly, around 47 schools have been rebuilt under the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Assistance Programme, 12 under the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa chief minister’s special package, while a further 12 were restructured with the support of different non-profit organisations.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6^th, 2018.