KUCHING: A total of 363 dilapidated schools in Sarawak have been repaired as of today (Nov 29).
Education, Innovation and Talent Development Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn said however, about 600 more are still undergoing repair works, while some are still on the Public Works Department’s (PWD) drawing board.
“Some of the dilapidated schools have not been tendered because PWD needs to look at the various facilities that need to be renovated.
“There are also dilapidated schools located in flood-affected areas and requested for relocation, so this will require some time as before relocation it will need to go through several agencies such as the Department of Land and Survey, Federal Treasury, and Federal Land Commissioner.
“All these concern bureaucratic matters which can cause a bit of delay,” he said in a press conference after delivering his ministerial winding-up speech at the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Nov 29).
Earlier in his winding-up speech, Sagah said even though education falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government, the Sarawak Government, being a responsible government, has always placed top priority for matters on education.
“These are evident through the various efforts that my ministry has put forth in these past five years, be it in terms of improving the physical development of schools which includes upgrading and rebuilding of school blocks; provision of treated water and reliable electricity supply; provision of continuous professional development programmes to our educators; and organising of students- centric activities, among others,” he pointed out.
On the issues of dilapidated schools, he said his ministry will ensure matters related to dilapidated schools are brought to the attention for immediate consideration by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the ministry continue to pursue the matters until they are resolved.
