KUALA BALINGIAN: A full replacement project for SK Kuala Balingian with a budget of RM58 million at a new site has been approved.
Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development, Datuk Ir Aidel Lariwoo said the project will start next year.
“Everything will be newly built under this project, including the school building, teachers’ quarters, and dormitories.
“This project will be carried out on a 15-acre site in this area as well.”
Aidel told reporters this during his visit to SK Kuala Balingian yesterday.
He further explained that SK Kuala Balingian is in a rather dilapidated condition in terms of its buildings and wooden structures, which require a full replacement due to these conditions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee said that the poor condition of SK Kuala Balingian necessitated the full replacement of the school.
“With the new school, our students will have a more comfortable environment to pursue their studies, with all the facilities provided, such as new classrooms, dormitories, including 12 units of teachers’ quarters.
“Once completed, we will add other facilities such as a field for student recreational activities at the school.”
Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi stated that this is good news for the residents of Kuala Balingian and its surroundings.
He explained that the more than 60-year-old school had faced many issues, especially concerning electricity.
“Previously, teachers here used portable generators, but now, I am informed that they are using electricity from SESCO.
“However, it is even more exciting that this school has been approved for a full replacement, which will begin next year.”
Earlier, 286 development projects for dilapidated schools in Sarawak were reported, with 87 completed, 73 schools under construction, and the remaining 126 schools still in the pre-contract stage.
