Over RM30 mln to fix hybrid solar power systems damaged by floods at 43 Sarawak schools

SONG (Jan 26): Hybrid solar power systems at 43 schools across Sarawak will be repaired under Package 2, involving an allocation of more than RM30 million, following damage caused by floods.

Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the project covers schools in rural and remote areas, including those in Song, Kapit, and other interior regions, with SK Lubok Bedil in the Katibas state constituency among the schools involved.

“I had the opportunity to visit the schools to officiate the handover of letters of acceptance to companies that have successfully secured the contracts for the repair works of hybrid solar systems under Package 2,” he told reporters after the handover ceremony here on Jan 24.

He explained that most of the hybrid solar systems at the affected schools suffered serious damage, particularly to battery and inverter components, following floods that occurred early last year.

Solar panels installed on rooftops were found to still be usable after undergoing cleaning works.

The project scope includes the replacement of major equipment as well as other physical works on school buildings, including facilities that also function as open halls, said Nanta.

“This project is crucial to ensure that students in rural areas enjoy the same educational opportunities as their peers in urban areas. We do not want any community to be left behind,” he said.

Nanta thanked the Ministry of Education (MoE) for successfully securing substantial funding from the federal government to implement the project, as well as the Public Works Department (JKR), particularly its electrical branch for coordinating and carrying out the works.

On the implementation timeline, he said contractors have been given two months after receiving the letters of acceptance to commence work, with key equipment such as inverters and batteries expected to arrive at project sites within that period.

“I have suggested that other works begin immediately without waiting for the arrival of the equipment, to speed up project completion given its urgent nature,” he added.

On mitigation measures to prevent recurring flood-related damage, Nanta said the matter has been entrusted to JKR as the technical agency, together with the contractors to determine necessary improvements.

This includes the possibility of raising or relocating certain components to safer locations.