Schools vulnerable to earthquake will receive desks resilient to such a disaster. The Education Ministry introduced the furniture from Wangdi Gatshel Primary School in Phuentshogling, today.
To start with, the school received 30 desks. Students also practised duck, hold, and cover- a mock drill for earthquake.
“They say desks are stronger and we will be safe under it. We are happy to have one. It is also comfortable while studying,” said one of the students, Kinzang Dorji.
Others were also happy to get the earthquake desk. “We are glad our school is the first to get such furniture. They say it’s stronger than the ones we have. We feel safe should an earthquake strike,” said another student, Beepana Rai.
The school will get 70 more desks in near future. Two schools in Samtse will also receive 50 desks each. Designed in Israel, a local manufacturer is making the desks.
“Compare to the standard tables and furniture which are being used, this desk can withstand the load of more than Four Hundred Twenty kilograms. We tested it during the phase one test. This would even become a safety device for the schools,” said Lalit Kumar Gurung, the Chief Engineer, Planning and Building Division, Ministry of Education.
The Education Ministry plans to provide such facilities in all schools at risk across the country. Geo-Hazards International provided the financial support for the project.
