Rajshahi, Sept 18 (V7N) – Construction of washblocks (bathrooms) at 13 government primary schools under the Public Health Engineering Department in Puthia, Rajshahi, has been stalled for the past six months. The total construction cost is approximately Tk 2.44 crore. Partial work has been carried out in some schools, while the responsible contractors have reportedly abandoned the projects. Alleged negligence by contractors, political influence, poor management, and failure of relevant officials have contributed to the prolonged delay, leaving both students and parents frustrated.
 
Due to the prolonged halt, children are reportedly forced to relieve themselves in open areas. The construction work began in 2021 for three schools and continued in the 2024 fiscal year with ten additional schools to improve hygiene facilities for students.
 
The three schools—Banshpukuria, Gondogohali, and Gaonpara Government Primary Schools—were initially contracted to Sara International, which failed to complete the work. Each washblock project was estimated at Tk 14.28 lakh.
 
In 2024, the remaining ten schools—Ujalpur, Phulbari, Mohonpur, Bhuban Nagar, Nawdapara, Jholmolia, Pirgacha, Biraldah, Bharara, Kandra Karbala, and Mir Osman—were assigned to Zobeda Construction. However, construction has remained incomplete for the past six months, with each project valued at Tk 15.76 lakh. Teachers from the affected schools have blamed the authorities for negligence and lack of oversight.
 
Shyamal Kumar Sarker, headteacher of Banshpukuria Government Primary School, said the existing bathroom facilities are unusable, forcing young students to go to open fields or nearby houses. Complaints have repeatedly been filed with the contractor and the education office without resolution.
 
Monshur Rahman, headteacher of Ujalpur Primary School, added that the contractor’s slow pace and unsecured construction materials pose safety risks for students.
 
Contractor Mokbul Hossain claimed that work was temporarily halted due to financial constraints but assured that construction would resume within the coming week.
 
Mehedi Hasan, Assistant Sub-Engineer of the Upazila Public Health Engineering Department, confirmed that the three abandoned projects have resumed, and the remaining ten school constructions are also scheduled to restart next week.
 
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