MANSEHRA: People of Shinkiari have threatened to block the Karakoram Highway if the reconstruction of government boys’ high school, which was destroyed in 2005 earthquake, is not completed without delay.

“Reconstruction work on the building was started in 2007, but it’s still not complete, forcing over 700 students to attend classes in tents in highly miserable condition,” said Tariq Pervez, the chairman of the school’s parent-teacher council, while speaking to media men here on Monday.

Other council members, including Ihsan Allahi, Haji Mohammad Niaz and Raja Mushtaq, were also present on the occasion and apprised the reporters of the problems facing the students due to absence of proper school building.

“We approached Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority and the contractor concerned many times for early completion of the building, but to no effect,” regretted Mr Pervez.

“The winter is fast approaching and if the building is not completed it would be impossible for students sit in shabby tents in the harsh cold,” he said. He disclosed that the contractor had already received Rs23 million, but the project was yet to be completed.

“After exhausting all our options regarding early construction of the building, we are left with no option but to block the KKH for our children’s future,” said Mr Pervez. When contacted, Goher Ali, the district education officer, told Dawn that the education department had requested Erra to ensure completion of incomplete school buildings without delay.

ANTI-TICK SPRAY: The livestock department on Monday launched a three-week anti-tick campaign to curb possible outbreak of Congo virus in the district during Eidul Azha.

Dr Rafique Mughal, the district Livestock department chief, told reporters on Monday that a checkpost each had been established at Bissian, Shinkiari and Pulrah where livestock being carried by nomads to upcountry would have anti-tick spray.

The district livestock chief said that awareness sessions would also be held for public, especially butchers in Gari Habibullah, Mansehra, Oghi and Balakot tehsils. Dr Mughal said that fumigation drive would also be carried out at the cattle markets across the district, adding that civil veterinary dispensaries would also have anti-tick spray to facilitate the people, keeping cattle heads.

He said that the district remained protected from any Congo case last year thanks to an effective drive, and expressed the hope that the people would extend the same cooperation this year as well.

Published in Dawn, September 16th, 2014