KUCHING: After many months of navigating bureaucratic red tape, two long-awaited school infrastructure projects under the Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) 2023 are finally set to begin, following the official handover of the Letter of Award and project sites to the selected contractor through “cabut undi” today.
Kota Sentosa Assemblyman Wilfred Yap said the two projects was made possible through the RTP allocation of RM350,000 and will benefit about 2,000 students in SMK DPHA Gapor and about 300 students in SK Sungai Student.
The two RTP projects are for the construction of a new toilet block at SMK DPHA Gapor costing RM150,000 and the construction of a Covered Open Hall at the Court Area of SK Sungai Stutong costing RM20,000.
These projects are being implemented in close collaboration with the Public Works Department (JKR) who are the appointed government implementing agency, and whose officers were present to witness the formal handover alongside school representatives.
Speaking at the event, Yap expressed his deep relief that both projects can now proceed without any further delay. “I share the frustration of parents, teachers, and students who have waited too long for these basic yet critical upgrades. Today marks a turning point for our students who will finally get the facilities they deserve,” he said.
He stressed that the delays caused by bureaucratic red tape and cumbersome administrative processes must never be a reason for students to be left behind.
“Our children are the future leaders of Sarawak. They deserve nothing less than a safe, clean, and supportive environment to learn and grow. These facilities are not luxuries but they are necessities,” he added.
By Connie Chieng