JALDHAKA MODEL SCHOOL UPDATE : 'White bricks only used temporarily to prevent material theft" - clarifies Engineer

Writes: Bicky Sharma

The report we had carried yesterday, on possible corruption in the construction of Jaldahaka Model School has created quiet a flutter in the administrative circles. With explanations coming thick and fast from various administrative authorities

In what we felt was a bizarre explanation, the SAE in-charge of Jaldhaka Model School Ms. Chandni Gurung informed us, "there seems to be a confusion... The lower bricks on the building that we see white colour ko were put temporarily... to prevent the goods from being stolen and for the labours to stay.... we will remove and replace the white bricks later with red bricks during plaster..."

This is perhaps the first time in our region that bricks have been used to build temporary shed instead of tin, wood or bamboo.

When we asked her about the accusation of lower than specified MM of rods used in the construction of beams and posts, she stated, "all the rods have been used as per the structural diagram... 20 mm or even thicker are used at places..."

When we told her that we wanted to do an in-depth story into the issue, Ms. Gurung offered "to show us the structural diagrams and give access and information about everything."

So we requested her to give us a date and time when our representatives could come and verify the details, she told us that she would give us a call in the evening yesterday with the details. However she hasn't called us till now.

Following our report GTA authorities swung into action, with Sabhasad-in-Charge of Education Shri. Roshan Giri calling up the project engineers and contractors to seek clarification.

Mr. Giri informed us, "I thank all those who have flagged this issue, since we cannot be present in all the places, a proactive local community can go a long way in curbing corruption... I have called up the contractor, and told him that only top quality materials are to be used in the construction of the school... any inferior material use can lead to administrative action against them... the Contractor has informed me that there won't be any compromise on the quality of the materials used or the school building..."

We thank GTA authorities for responding positively and promptly to the issue, and thank all the members of Bindu-Jordhunga United Development Committee who are playing an inspirational of providing community led checks and balances.

[Please look at the pics, and ask yourself this... do these white bricks look like they are placed temporarily?\

TheDC