GORKHA, Oct 24: Kalikadevi Jhalak Primary School of Gorkha Municipality-1 Taple is one among dozens of schools which is yet to be reconstructed post earthquake. The construction of the building began some three years ago. However, as of now, only a pillar stands in the ground floor.
Rabina Construction was awarded the project to construct the building with the financial support from Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The construction company then passed the responsibility of building construction to Bibek Dhamala, a sub-contractor.
Yet, not much work has progressed. According to Principal Ratna Dhakal, workers try to avoid work in the monsoon blaming the rain and laborers are hard to find during other times. As the second deadline has already expired, preparations are underway to extend the deadline for the third time.
The school which has 46 students is simply a make-shift tent made of bamboos and tin. Students study on the floor. As there are five class rooms and only four teachers, one classroom is always unattended. Students can hardly concentrate on lectures with so much happenings in the surrounding.
When it rains, all students and the school officials cluster in a single office room. “There are no barriers within the classrooms so rain easily seeps inside,” Dhakal said. The principal complained that studying in make-shift tents for years has had negative impact on the students' performance.
Despite repeated requests, the construction company has ignored the pleas. Students have been denied the right to proper education.