SMK Balingian project to proceed, assures assemblyman
MUKAH: The SMK Balingian project will still go ahead, with construction works expected to commence in the middle of next year, says Balingian assemblyman Abdul Yakub Arbi.
It is learnt that he has received a full explanation from the relevant ministry, in response to a question that he posed during the last State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) sitting.
According to him, the project would proceed under the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP), continuing on from the 10MP when it was approved.
It is learnt that the school would have 24 classrooms, dormitories that can accommodate up to 800 students, and 24 teacher’s quarters – among other facilities.
There had been several issues affecting the project, including soil condition and the site being not very suitable for the construction of the school – leading to the increase in cost, which was more than the approved RM80 million.
This also led to the re- evaluation of the design.
It is reported that the project status is still awaiting approval from the Finance Department for the tender process, and the implementation should commence in the middle of next year.
“This is a critical project and it needs to be implemented at the soonest time, as it concerns the folk there,” said Abdul Yakub, adding that his response was also made to counter those attempting to politicise the matter.
It is said that there is still no secondary school in Balingian sub- district. Children moving on from primary school to Form 1 have to go to the nearest secondary school in Mukah – about an hour’s drive from the subdistrict.