Project Overview
The project titled "26 Nos of Govt. Primary Girls & Boys School" was initiated by SHED INGO in various districts of Balochistan. The project started on May 24, 2017, and was completed by June 13, 2017. The primary goal of this initiative was to establish 26 government primary schools for both girls and boys across the province of Balochistan, catering to the educational needs of the rural and underserved populations. The project had a total budget of 30 million PKR, with 1.87 million PKR allocated for design and planning services. The construction was carried out under a single-firm contract, which facilitated coordination and execution of all tasks within the given timeframe.
Project Components
Classrooms: The heart of the project was the construction of classrooms to accommodate both girls and boys. The classrooms were designed to cater to primary-aged students, with appropriate furniture, lighting, ventilation, and safety measures in place. Each of the 26 schools was equipped with spacious and well-lit classrooms, ensuring that students had access to an effective and comfortable learning environment.
Boundary Wall: To ensure the safety and security of the students and staff, each school was surrounded by a boundary wall. The boundary walls provided a safe perimeter, limiting unauthorized access and protecting the schools from external disturbances. They also helped create a secure and private environment for the students to learn without concern for outside interference.
Internal Road: Internal roads were constructed within the premises of each school to ensure smooth movement of students, staff, and educational resources. These roads were designed to improve accessibility, particularly during inclement weather when the external roads could be challenging to navigate. The internal roads connected various parts of the school and were crucial in managing daily operations effectively.
Project Timeline
- Start Date: May 24, 2017
- Completion Date: June 13, 2017
The project was completed in just 21 days, which was a challenging timeline considering the scale of the initiative. The design, planning, and construction of 26 schools across different regions of Balochistan were executed efficiently within the short time frame. Despite logistical and other challenges, the project was delivered on time, ensuring that the schools were operational at the earliest.
Project Budget
- Total Project Cost: 30 million PKR
- Design and Planning Budget: 1.87 million PKR
The total budget of 30 million PKR covered all aspects of the project, including the construction of classrooms, boundary walls, internal roads, and other necessary educational infrastructure. The 1.87 million PKR allocated for design and planning ensured that detailed architectural plans were developed, taking into account local needs, materials, and safety regulations. This budget allowed for the creation of functional schools that met educational standards and served the needs of both girls and boys in Balochistan.
Project Challenges
While the project was successfully completed within the set timeline, several challenges emerged during its execution:
Logistical Issues: Balochistan is a vast and remote region with challenging terrain and limited infrastructure. Transporting construction materials and equipment to multiple school sites was a significant logistical challenge. The project team had to coordinate closely with local suppliers and transportation companies to ensure timely delivery of resources.
Weather Conditions: The climate in Balochistan, which can be extremely hot and arid, posed challenges during construction, particularly for external works such as boundary walls and internal roads. High temperatures and occasional dust storms slowed progress, and the construction schedule had to be adjusted to accommodate weather-related delays.
Cultural and Social Sensitivities: Given the cultural diversity of Balochistan, the project had to be carried out with careful consideration of local customs and sensitivities. Ensuring the active involvement of local communities, especially in rural areas, was crucial for the success of the project. The design and construction process needed to be sensitive to local traditions while promoting gender equality in education for both girls and boys.
Material Availability: Sourcing construction materials in the remote areas of Balochistan was a challenge. The availability of materials that met the required quality standards was sometimes limited. The project team had to source materials from nearby regions and ensure that they were delivered on time to avoid delays in the construction process.
Security Concerns: Due to the security situation in certain areas of Balochistan, the project faced occasional disruptions in the form of restricted access to some sites. Coordination with local authorities and ensuring the safety of the workforce was a priority throughout the construction phase.
The "26 Nos of Govt. Primary Girls & Boys School" project represents a significant step toward improving education in Balochistan, a province that has historically faced challenges in terms of educational access and infrastructure. Despite the difficulties posed by logistics, weather conditions, cultural sensitivities, and material availability, the project was completed successfully within the stipulated timeframe and budget. The establishment of these schools will have a profound impact on the communities in Balochistan, providing children with a safe, secure, and conducive environment for learning. The project not only contributes to enhancing education in the region but also empowers both girls and boys by providing them with equal opportunities for learning and growth.
