About 372 educational institutions in Jessore, that have been partially or completely damaged in cyclone Amphan that ravaged the country's coastal areas on May 20, are yet to be repaired three months after the natural disaster.
Of them, 167 are secondary schools, 60 primary government schools, 27 colleges, 113 madrasas and five are technical educational institutions.
Most of the damaged institutions are tin-shed structures. Roofs of these schools were blown away due to gusty wind caused by the cyclone. Besides, doors, windows, and walls have fallen apart, according to District Education Office sources.
The sources say the educational institutions damaged during Amphan remain in dilapidated condition due to lack of financial assistance.
The local authorities say they sent a list of the damaged institutions to the District Education Office a day after the storm.
According to the District Education Office, 372 institutions suffered an estimated damage of Tk5.21 crore.
Of these institutions, 40 are in Sadar upazila, 75 in Jhikargacha, 40 in Abhaynagar, 120 in Keshabpur, 31 in Chaugachha, 38 in Manirampur, 10 in Bagherpara and 18 in Sharsha.
Headmaster of Sadar Upazila Secondary School Moinuddin said the tin roof of his school was blown away during the storm and Tk2 lakh is needed to repair it, but no fund has been provided.
“Teachers have been paid with the money from the school’s fund,” he said.
Also Read- Cyclone Amphan: Death toll rises to 26
Moazzem Hossain, principal of Natunhat Public College, said the tin roof of a college building and cycle stand were blown away during the storm that also damaged a building.
“We couldn’t repair them due to a fund crisis,” he said.
District Education Officer Abdul Khalek said they have sent a list of the damaged educational institutions and funds needed to repair them to the Department of Secondary and Higher Education (DSHE).
But no financial support has been sanctioned due to some unfortunate complications, Khalek said.
He said financial assistance will be provided to the heads of the educational institutions through the deputy commissioner.
Cyclone Amphan slammed the coast on May 20 with strong wind and heavy rains. It also caused a tidal surge which inflicted heavy damage to the embankments and flooded many areas.
