Students suggested that the government establish a “shelter city” where low-cost residential structures can house IDPs currently staying in educational institutions.
Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association Additional Secretary General Prof Iftikhar Aazmi said that this academic year has already suffered because the results for secondary school examinations arrived late. He appealed to the authorities to allow the use of school and college campuses for their proper purpose so that students are not forced to attend coaching centres to receive an education. Students alleged that colleges which are being used as camps are in terrible condition.
“Garbage is strewn all over our campus and there is a foul smell because 4,000 IDPs share 15 toilets on the premises,” said Shoaib Minhas, a student at the Government College of Technology in SITE.
He also alleged that the unavailability of firewood has led to camp residents being forced to burn every available piece of wood in the college.
“It is a rumour that furniture is being burnt in schools. IDPs in campus relief camps are being provided with gas connections,” said Coordinator to the Education Minister Naveed Zubairi, in response to the allegations. Sharmila Farooqui, who is the vice-chairperson of the Sindh Education Reforms Project, has been assigned the task of formulating a visible strategy to open educational institutions in the province again. Sindh Minister for Education Pir Mazhar-ul-Haq was not available for comment.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 4th, 2010.
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