October 23: The Olakha Lower Secondary School in Thimphu was opened earlier this year. It has not been even a year since it opened but cracks have begun to appear on one of the academic blocks.

With 442 students and 21 teachers, the school has two academic blocks with 18 classrooms. It also has a basketball court.

The school opened this academic session. But in just about six months after its opening, the school noticed cracks on one of the two academic blocks.

The plinth of the building has cracked. The paint is also peeling off some part of the outer walls of the building.

BBS requested the school authorities for an interview but they refused to comment. Sources told BBS that there are also problems with the interior part of the building. Flooring is one of the problems.

The floors of all 18 classrooms, the staff room, the library room and the science laboratory were replaced during the summer break.

Not only this, the drains and the basketball court also had to be repaired.

BBS also requested the Thromdey Education Officer for an interview. He declined to talk to us on camera. He, however, said the matter is being discussed with the contractor and the school authorities.

He said the Thromdey Education has not yet accepted the school from the contractor.

When asked about the cracks and other problems, he said he is not technically qualified to comment on it. He said an inspection would be done soon to see if there are any construction defects.