SIBU: A school with poor facilities will not give an environment that is conducive to learning, said Sarawak Teachers’ Union (STU) acting president Jisin Nyud, who yesterday urged the government to address the problem of schools having dilapidated facilities.
He said priority should be given to schools with poor facilities, such as those whose buildings had been destroyed by fire, or who were casualties of abandoned projects.
At a press conference in Kuching on Tuesday, state PKR chief Baru Bian reportedly said schools throughout the state, especially those in the rural areas, must be audited to assess their needs.
Baru cited an example of SK Long Tuma in Lawas, where pupils and staff were still waiting for new hostels and quarters after the old ones were razed to the ground more than two years ago.
Baru further claimed that the double-storey hostel used to accommodate over 100 pupils (boarders) but after the fire there is room for only 60 pupils in the temporary block.
Jisin said: “In the case of the hostel and quarters of SK Long Tuma, Lawas which was supposed to be completed last February, STU hopes the Education Ministry will look into the possibility of continuing the project as soon as possible.”
He added: “It is disheartening to see projects being abandoned.
“STU calls for strict monitoring of projects to ensure quality materials and good workmanship.”