CDA shuts down private school in face of quake aftershocks
By Adnan Rafqiue

ISLAMABAD—Beaconhouse School System has decided to shut down its H-8 Campus in Islamabad after Development Authority expressed serious concerns about building’s safety.
In a press statement issued here Tuesday, the Beaconhouse administration said, “In spite of the conclusion regarding the safety of the building that we have arrived at, the Beaconhouse management has decided to close its H/8 campus in response to CDA’s expression of concern.”
It further states, for Beaconhouse School System, the welfare and safety of its students and staff is of paramount importance. However, we also appreciate and understand the fact that academic progress and development of our students must also continue in a conducive and safe environment. All necessary precautions are taken to ensure a quick and efficient evacuation in case of further emergencies.
“We have once again initiated the process of independent evaluation of the safety of the structure of our campus. After that is established the management will take a decision regarding the re-opening of the school,” the statement concludes.
Meanwhile, Beaconhouse Margalla Campus H/8 was inspected on October 11 by Executive Engineer, Pakistan Public Works Department, who declared that the building was structurally sound.
Ever since the major earthquake on October 8, a number of teams had examined Beaconhous’s premises independently.
Besides, Structural Engineer, from Design Group Practice carried out another detailed inspection of the premises and said the building had suffered no structural damage and termed it fit for occupance.
The school clarified and dispelled some matters of concern with reference to news reports appeared in a section of press regarding structure of its building.
No cracks had appeared in the main structure of the building including columns, beams and roof in spite of the earthquake.
However some minor cracks in the plaster and brickwork had been repaired. All repair that needed to be carried out was to the plaster and face work.
Nevertheless, in the event of further quakes, the building was to be temporarily evacuated in order to avoid any mishap due to elements falling from non-structural components.