LUNDU: Two additional school blocks have been completed at SMK Lundu and SMK Padawan, bringing classroom overcrowding to an end.
It also marks another milestone in Sarawak’s efforts to enhance its education infrastructure.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the newly completed blocks at these schools will provide better facilities for students and teachers, contributing to a more comfortable and effective learning environment.
He lauded the completion of both projects, saying they were delivered on time and within the allocated budget.
“These projects, handled by the Works Ministry and the Public Works Department (PWD), reflect our commitment to high standards.
“Both were completed perfectly, adhering to contract terms and without exceeding costs,” he said during the handover ceremony at SMK Lundu on Saturday (Nov 16).
Deputy Director of the Sarawak Education Department (Learning Sector) Dr Les Met said the new blocks would address overcrowding issues at both schools.
“Previously, classes often exceeded 35 students, with some reaching up to 45. These additional facilities will reduce the student count per class to below 35, creating a more conducive learning environment,” he explained.
On the same note, the Secretary of the Development Division at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Datuk Masyati Abang Ibrahim clarified that these projects were not part of the dilapidated school replacement programme but aimed to manage rising enrolment and aging structures nearing obsolescence.
Nanta also highlighted recent successful projects, such as the additional school block at Kampung Haji Baki two weeks ago and the Armed Forces Housing Complex (APNM) in Miri last month.
He said both were completed ahead of schedule and within budget.
“This reflects Sarawak’s capability to deliver infrastructure projects effectively.
“Strict controls and improved procedures ensure quality and prevent cost overruns,” he added.
As such, Nanta thanked local leaders and contractors for their roles in ensuring the projects’ success.
He assured that more projects would be handed over in the near future to continue supporting Sarawak’s development needs.
The first project involved the replacement of 12 classrooms and other facilities at SMK Lundu, replacing its aging 1965 structure.
Construction began on April 25, 2022, and was completed with a Certificate of Practical Completion (CPC) issued on Sept 5.
The original building, inaugurated in 1966 by the first Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak, Tun Datuk Abang Openg, holds historical significance but could no longer support the nearly 2,000 students enrolled today, up from just 70 in its early days.
The upgrade was essential as the school faces increasing enrolment, fuelled by rapid development and new housing areas in the region. The new facilities now cater to students from 14 feeder schools.
The second project at SMK Padawan was completed on Oct 4.
The RM12.2 million project, launched on March 17, 2022, provides improved safety and comfort for teachers and students, creating a more conducive learning environment to accommodate rising student numbers.
Also present at the ceremony were Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri and Tanjong Datu assemblyman Azizul Adenan.
