By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: In a significant move to improve basic facilities in government schools, the CARE Foundation installed 20 water hand pumps in primary boys’ schools across Dera Ismail Khan, officials said. Approval has also been granted for an additional 42 pumps, including solar-powered units, aimed at providing uninterrupted access to clean drinking water for thousands of students.
The initiative was formally launched at Government Primary School Chaa Bara, where Sub-Divisional Education Officer (Male) Dr Humayun Khattak inaugurated the project. Head Teacher Ikram, teachers, local notables, and students attended the ceremony, offering prayers for the progress of educational institutions. Authorities noted that the new pumps would significantly ease water scarcity issues that have long hindered learning in the region’s schools.
Reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts were also underway in 15 primary schools in Tehsil Dera, which had been severely damaged by recent floods and natural disasters. In addition, five to ten historic schools, some nearly a century old, were being rebuilt on strengthened foundations under a special restoration plan. Billions of rupees had been allocated through the Department of Archaeology and Rehabilitation, with notable efforts from Ali Amin Gandapur and Faisal Amin Gandapur in securing approval and progress for these projects.
Earlier in the week, Faisal Amin, along with the Secretary of Archaeology and the Deputy Commissioner of Dera, inspected several schools to review construction progress. Installation of solar panels in City Circle schools had also reached its final stages, promising uninterrupted electricity supply to classrooms.
As part of a recent cleanliness week campaign, painting and renovations in all schools were completed using Parent-Teacher Council (PTC) funds. Teachers were instructed to implement modern teaching and learning methods to further enhance the quality of education.
Education sector representatives expressed optimism, saying that if development continued at its current pace, Dera Ismail Khan could see a significant transformation in its educational landscape, with promising outcomes for students in the near future.
