Rebuilding of schools done within contract schedule — Baru

SIBU: A total of 48 dilapidated schools in Sarawak have been rebuilt using Industrialised Building System (IBS), while another two will be completed towards middle of this month, says Works Minister Baru Bian.

He added that rebuilding of dilapidated schools in the state, which is implemented by Public Works Department (JKR) Malaysia involved 50 schools with the total cost of RM138,458,260.

In Sabah, the implementation by JKR Malaysia involved 37 dilapidated schools with project cost of RM163,441,400.00

“In Sarawak, the scope for phase one of the project involved building 50 (dilapidated) schools using 13 packages and 13 contractors.

“The overall project scope comprises 294 classrooms, 12 hostels, seven science rooms, 28 toilet blocks and six dining halls.”

On schools in Sabah, he said the project scope for phase one, involved building of 37 (dilapidated) schools with 12 packages and 12 contractors.

The overall project scope comprises 277 classrooms, 37 science rooms and 42 toilet blocks.

Baru was speaking during his visit to SK Ulu Sungai Salim here yesterday to inspect the rebuilding and upgrading of dilapidated school project using IBS for Sarawak (phase one) implemented by JKR Malaysia.

Baru added that for SK Ulu Sungai Salim, the project (the classroom block) was completed on June 27 and handing over to the state Education Department was done on July 31.

Earlier, he said there are nearly 2,000 dilapidated schools nationwide with leaking roofs, damaged floors and walls as well as old equipment that have not been replaced.

“In this regard, the government has set aside allocation of RM2.5 billion towards repairing dilapidated schools within two years that is 2018 and 2019 with a breakdown of RM500 million for dilapidated schools in Peninsula, while RM1 billion for Sabah and RM1 billion for Sarawak.”

He disclosed that the implementation of phase one in Peninsula, JKR Malaysia had been appointed as the implementing agency with the schools numbering 158 in 12 states.

Baru said overall, there are 38 packages costing a total of RM245 million.

“I was made to understand until Aug 30, 2018 – a total of 111 schools had been fully completed while the balance of 47 schools will be completed in stages until end of this month.”

He added that implementation of phase one of dilapidated schools in Sarawak and Sabah is carried out by two government agencies, namely Ministry of Education (MOE) and JKR Malaysia with each given allocation by the government separately.

“Implementation of dilapidated schools in Sarawak that is implemented by MOE itself – involved 66 schools with project cost of RM278,118,000.00 agreed by the government.

“As for Sabah, there are 83 schools with project cost totalling RM266,300,000.00 also implemented by MOE itself.”

He also said JKR Malaysia as the programme manager has prepared the drawing design standard to be used by JKR Sabah and JKR Sarawak appointed as the implementing agency in dilapidated schools building projects.

JKR Sabah and JKR Sarawak had inspected schools to identify the scope as well as related works.

Later, during a press conference, Baru said: “I am happy to note that the project was completed within four months and congratulation to the contractor – Cekaplex Sdn Bhd. JKR Sarawak which helps us to supervise this project is also pleased with the accomplishment.”

He hoped that more contractors would emulate Cekaplex Sdn Bhd to build dilapidated schools within the stipulated time frame.

Baru also noted of some requests made the SK Ulu Sungai Salim headmistress Dayun Jackson Bunsie on inadequacy of school buildings, who highlighted the need for administration and science blocks, library room and multi-purpose hall.

The school has 110 pupils with 12 teachers and three support staff.

Also present at the function were JKR Malaysia headquarters (Works Education Branch) director Ahmad Redza Ghulam Rasool and JKR Sarawak deputy director (building and expertise) Stanley Chai.