PESHAWAR, April 20: Reconstruction and rehabilitation of damaged schools in earthquake-affected areas and relocating others from the danger zone will cost Rs43.08 billion, according to data prepared by the provincial education department.

Some 2,750 schools were damaged in the disaster, officials said, adding that schools would be reconstructed at original sites but only after their earthquake-resistant design was approved.

The Earthquake Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Authority (Erra) has yet to approve an earthquake-resistant design for schools to be constructed in the quake-hit five districts.

In addition to rehabilitating the damaged schools, the provincial government will also open new institutions where required.

A German bank, a Japanese aid agency, USAID, Unicef and other donors are ready to provide funds for the purpose, officials said.

Unicef officials said the agency had launched a ‘welcome to school’ programme which would continue till all schools were fully restored. Tent schools would be set up at original locations so that when people returned to their respective areas their children could continue their education without gap.

Students at tents schools are provided with mats, bags, stationery and recreational kit. Also, officials said, about one million children had been immunised for measles.

Unicef will also construct 500 new schools in these areas in next two years and provide facilities up to the middle level.

Officials said many teachers had died in the earthquake and “we are trying to engage local teachers in these schools.”

Tent schools will remain functional till proper school buildings were reconstructed in these areas, officials said.

APP adds: Education is the main priority of the government and women literacy is important for the country’s progress and prosperity, says District Nazim Peshawar Haji Ghulam Ali.

He was speaking at a ceremony at the Old Frontier Model High School and Community Center, Kohati Gate.

The District Nazim said that educated girls could play a vital role in the country’s progress.

He assured that demands like provision of computers for special children, and allocation of land would be considered on a priority basis.