ODEROLAL, Sindh: Allegations of serious irregularities and the use of substandard construction materials have emerged in the ongoing construction of the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Oderolal, prompting a surprise inspection by a team from the Human Rights Monitoring Cell. Following the inspection, the team ordered an immediate halt to the construction work, citing concerns over the quality and safety of the project.
The visit was carried out after videos highlighting the alleged poor construction standards went viral on social media. Reports published by the Taluka Press Club Oderolal also drew public attention to the issue, leading the Human Rights Monitoring Cell to investigate the matter.
The inspection team included Taluka President Syed Naseer Ahmed Shah and Senior Vice President Abdul Sami Shah, who closely examined the under-construction school building. After reviewing the site, the team expressed strong dissatisfaction with what they described as poor workmanship and apparent violations of standard construction practices.
Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the Human Rights representatives alleged that the masonry work on the school’s walls was being carried out with insufficient cement, while bricks were reportedly being placed vertically instead of according to accepted engineering standards. They claimed that these practices could seriously compromise the structural integrity of the building.
The team also pointed to concerns regarding the foundation and ground level of the school. According to the inspectors, the building’s filling level appeared to be significantly lower than the adjoining road and surrounding area, raising fears that the premises could become vulnerable to rainwater accumulation or flooding in the future.
Another major concern raised during the inspection was the alleged absence of steel reinforcement bars in walls with foundations extending over 100 feet. The Human Rights team stated that if the allegations proved accurate, the lack of proper reinforcement could pose a serious safety risk for students, teachers, and staff once the building becomes operational.
Following the inspection, the Human Rights Monitoring Cell instructed laborers at the site to stop all construction activities until the quality concerns are addressed. The organization said construction should only resume after the authorities ensure that all work complies with approved engineering standards and government specifications.
The Human Rights representatives further stated that they attempted to contact the project’s main contractor, Waqas Samoon, for clarification, but were unable to establish communication.
However, according to the Human Rights team, a subcontractor working on the project claimed that Rs. 5 million had allegedly been deducted from the original tender amount by political and government figures, making it difficult to complete the project according to the required quality standards. This allegation has not been independently verified, and no official response has yet been issued by the contractor or the relevant authorities.
The Human Rights leaders emphasized that the allegations require an impartial and transparent investigation. They stressed that educational institutions must be constructed according to the highest safety standards, as they are intended to serve future generations of students.
The organization called upon the Sindh Minister for Works and Services and the Provincial Education Minister to immediately take notice of the matter and order a comprehensive technical inquiry into the construction project. They urged the authorities to examine the quality of materials being used, verify compliance with approved engineering designs, and determine whether any financial or administrative irregularities had occurred.
The Human Rights Monitoring Cell warned that if corrective measures are not taken and the project is allowed to continue without ensuring quality standards, they would expand their protest campaign and pursue further legal and public action.
Residents of Oderolal have also expressed concern over the reports, saying that government schools should be built with durable materials and proper engineering practices to ensure the safety of children and teaching staff. Many residents believe that public funds allocated for education projects must be utilized transparently and that any negligence should be dealt with strictly.
As of now, the allegations remain unverified, and no official statement has been issued by the Works and Services Department, the Education Department, or the principal contractor responding to the claims. Authorities are expected to review the matter, while local residents and civil society organizations continue to demand an independent investigation to determine the facts and ensure accountability if any violations are confirmed.
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