By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, Aug 2: The Ministry of Education (MOE) is currently implementing 76 dilapidated school redevelopment projects worth RM3.9 billion in Sarawak, of which 26 are already complete.
Disclosing this, Federal Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that all of them are being supervised by the Public Works Department (JKR).
“It involves various phases of development, including completed projects as well as those in the under-construction and pre-construction stages.
“From the total 76 projects, 20 worth RM2.18 billion are currently in the pre-construction phase, 30 worth RM1.3 billion are under construction, and another 26 worth RM374 million have been completed,” Nanta said at a press conference after the handover ceremony of two rural primary school projects namely Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Rantau Panjang in Padawan and Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Bakong in Sri Aman, today.
He emphasised the importance of education, highlighting the need to rebuild or upgrade school infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to strengthen a conducive and inclusive learning environment.
In return, he said this will stimulate students to excel in their studies and motivate educators as well.
“We are not just building buildings, but building hope and the future, by making schools a space for the growth of our future generations who are knowledgeable and competitive.
“I also hope that all these educational facilities that have been provided will be utilised and maintained as best as possible by all school staff,” Nanta added.
Some RM20.99 million was spent for SK Rantau Panjang to replace classrooms and other facilities on a 2.69-hectare site located in Bandar Batu Kawa.
Another RM29.98 million was allocated for SK Bakong on a 6.88-hectare site to replace six classrooms, a hostel for 60 students, teacher’s quarters, a pre-school classroom, and other facilities.
“I sincerely hope that with the implementation of these two projects, it will not only meet the physical needs of a school, but also be able to inject new enthusiasm among teachers and students to enhance the school’s academics and human capital development,” Nanta said.
Both projects, he said, were entrusted to the Special Project Team 2 under JKR in 2022 and implemented on a design and build basis by the main contractor, R&D Construction Sdn Bhd.
While JKR continues to monitor all aspects of maintenance post-handover to ensure the project remains functional and meets the specified standards, he reminded the contractor to uphold its responsibilities during the Defect Liability Period (DLP) by promptly addressing every defect complaint received from the school. — DayakDaily
