Ramshackle Jazan school building irks many parents

By Abdulrahman Shar Okaz/Saudi Gazette JAZAN — Parents are concerned about their children going to a school functioning from a ramshackle building. Mohammad Yaseen said Al-Sanousi High and Middle School building was only constructed four years ago. “But there are crevices and cracks in the walls of the building and no one is doing anything about it. The most threatened areas are the restrooms, student classes and the security guard’s room. The building needs renovation or else it may collapse,” said Yaseen. He added students should be transferred to a safer building while the current one is renovated. Sabry Zaila said teaching must be suspended as the students’ lives was in danger. “The education directorate and the Civil Defense should form a committee to ensure that the building is safe for the students. The way the building currently is seems like it may collapse at any moment,” said Zaila. Ahmad Al-Zailaie said the education directorate should suspend teaching in the current building and provide an alternative building for temporary use. “The building is dangerous for students, teachers and anyone who works there. It may collapse any minute. There are deep cracks in pillars and walls of the building,” said Al-Zailaie. Jazan Education Directorate spokesman Yahya Atif said the directorate received the parents’ complaints and will respond to them. “The directorate will evacuate the school until the building is renovated. The students will attend evening classes for a short period of time at Al-Mabouj Primary School,” said Atif.