Cracks in roofs of 3 JU halls pose serious risk

Al-Beruni, Mir Mosharraf Hossain (MH) and Faizunnesa halls are the worst affected. No pipes are connected to the roofs to drain the rainwater away. The walls and ceilings dampened by rainwater have developed cracks.

Students claim that accidents are likely to occur at anytime. "Loose plasters may fall on anyone and cause severe injuries," said Shamim of Al-Beruni Hall.

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"Students with asthma suffer most when the ground-floor rooms become damp because of the water seeping into the walls," a student of MH Hall said.

"These halls were built in 1971 and 1973. Adequate maintenance has not been done and these unprotected walls may collapse," another student said.

Asked, Al-Beruni Hall Provost Lutful Hye Jami said: "We contacted the engineering section in this regard and its report says nothing much has happened."

"There are a few cracks, which will hopefully be fixed during the vacation, and students will find the halls renovated by July 1.These buildings have gone through maintenance and refurbishing only once since they were built, although it should take place every two years," he added

"The present university administration has promised refurbishment and a grant of about Tk 30 lakh is expected for that," the provost said.

"The maintenance procedure is stalled due to lack of funds and once the university receives the grant, the provost should allocate the necessary amount for maintenance," said Superintendent Engineer AKM Nesaruddin.

As the dormitories and other buildings suffered structural damage due to lack of maintenance, Professor Nasser Ezazul Haq of the Geological Science Department said: "The buildings might have massive damage in the event of an earthquake. The risk is more as most foundations made of Modhupur clay."

"The brick structures over the clay foundation may be displaced due to the shrinkage. The one-storey buildings are most likely to be worst affected," he added.

The pillars which hold the multi-storey structures also have developed cracks and if heavily shaken, the buildings will most likely be displaced by 5 to 6 inches. A research by Dr ATM Shakhawat Hossain revealed most of these facts, he said.

There are mixed reactions from the students. Some say the problem is negligible: except for the dampening of the walls and plaster falling from the corridor, nothing much happened.

But others like Nurul Siddique said: "It is a serious threat to most students and a wreckage from an earthquake is an important factor to consider. After years of demand, they should be fixed immediately."