Earth filling work begins on new site for SK Tg Limbang

MIRI: Earth filling work began on the new site for SK Tanjung Limbang early this month.

Headmaster Michael Tunai Aba said construction on seven classrooms, two boarding blocks, and an administration block is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“We’ve received a positive response from parents on the new school site and are pleased on the progress of work being carried out,” he told The Borneo Post when contacted yesterday.

He said the government allocated the new 25- acre site, located 25km from Limbang town, to the school because the present site by the Limbang riverbank has been plagued by constant flooding and soil erosion.

Michael said the new school would bring much relief to villagers, who fear for their children’s safety at the present site.

Meanwhile, parent-teacher association chairman Jonidi Yamat pointed out the riverbank erosion is getting closer and closer to the school blocks.

“What us parents fear when heavy rain occurs at the upper river in Limbang is that it would cause water to overflow at certain areas, including the present SK Tanjung.

“We are pleased that work is being carried out at the new site and at the same time we are keeping our fingers’ crossed to ensure that the riverbank will not erode drastically at the present site and damage school building blocks located near the river,” he said.

He added parents hoped no untoward incidents would occur as soil erosion still occurs, especially when the Limbang River overflows. Pengkalan Gurah village chief Domeng Keduit said earth filling work and clearing the new site should mean construction would begin soon.

He explained that it took nearly 10 years to start the construction project due to the government compensation required for the land’s original owners.

Domeng also stressed that the level of riverbank erosion near the school is worrying.