KUCHING: The St Joseph’s school’s Mill Hill Block (1894) restoration project is expected to be completed by April, said Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said the grant amounting to RM2.5 million given by the state government on Wednesday (Feb 3) has covered the total cost of the RM5.5 million project.
“Thank you very much to Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg for the fund.
“This is in time to pay the contractor for the final amount of the restoration of the block.
“To date, the Sarawak government had given a total of RM4 million out of RM5.5 million needed for the restoration project,” he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Feb 3).
Dr Sim said St Joseph’s school has left an indelible mark in Sarawak’s history where it has produced numerous prominent figures and is also known for its vision of education for all, regardless of race and religion.
“The school had, over 100 years, produced many outstanding professionals, entrepreneurs as well as civil service and political leaders in Sarawak and across the globe.
“Four out of six chief ministers of Sarawak and four out of eleven Cabinet ministers are alumni of St Joseph’s school,” he said.
The Old Josephians’ Association (OJA) president has also called upon the school’s alumni to donate necessary supplies to help provide the school with needed equipment.
He also urged members of the public to contact the association if they are looking to loan or donate historical memorabilia for it to be displayed at the public gallery.
