Abandoned cyclone shelter turns risky in Kuakata

A rest house turned cyclone shelter in Patuakhali's Kuakata upazila, under the jurisdiction of the Local Government Engineering Department, lies in a state of disrepair, raising concerns regarding safety of hundreds of locals, including children, and tourists, amid heightened risk of cyclones and other natural disasters in monsoon.

Pillars of the four-storey structure have developed cracks, with rusted rods getting exposed and plaster regularly falling off from the ceiling and columns. The building shakes whenever heavy vehicles pass along the adjacent road. Locals fear that the building might collapse at any moment.

The structure, located beside Latachapli Government Primary School, puts hundreds of schoolchildren at constant risk a major hazard. Students, teachers, and residents are demanding its immediate demolition and construction of a new cyclone centre more equipped to cater to their need.

Photo: Sohrab Hossain/Star

According to the LGED's Kalapara upazila office, the building was officially declared abandoned in 2023 due to its poor condition.

Aung Talukder, president of Rakhaine Buddhist Welfare Association and a resident of Kuakata's Keranipara, said the land was donated by his late father, Baching Talukder for construction of the building in 1974–75 to function as both a cyclone shelter and a primary school. Later, in 1998, LGED converted it into a rest house, he said.

There is now a separate one-storey primary school building just east of the structure, along with a field used by children for playing, and a road adjacent to it. The old, crumbling building, however, remains a threat to anyone using the area.

Md Nazrul Islam, headteacher of the school, said, "Around 400 students are enrolled here. This risky structure lies abandoned on the playground for past 7-8 years. We've warned the students to stay away from it, and even the playground is now off-limits to them. We've reported the issue to LGED multiple times, but they have yet to take steps to demolish it."

Trijon Gayali, a fifth-grader, said, "The building may collapse any time. We're scared to play in the field beside. It must be removed before it is too late."

Motaleb Sharif, president of the Kuakata Hotel-Motel Owners' Association, said the dilapidated building stands beside the main paved road leading to the sea beach, thereby posing risk to both tourists and locals.

Mohammad Yasin Sadek, Kuakata Municipality administrator and assistant commissioner (land), said he had discussed the matter with the upazila engineer of LGED. "The issue will be raised at the next monthly upazila meeting for urgent action," he added.

Mohammad Sadekur Rahman, upazila engineer of LGED in Kalapara, said a proposal for the building's demolition has been already sent to the executive engineer's office.

"Once the process is complete, we will demolish the structure as soon as possible, and necessary steps will be taken to construct a new building at the site" he said.