KUCHING: Why use diesel powered generator for electricity at a primary school in an area where utility is available round the clock?
The question was raised by Puncak Borneo Member of Parliament Willie Mongin who said he was surprised when he was told SK Kambug still uses generator for power.
Willie said residents in the area where the school is located about 70km from here, has long enjoyed 24-hour electricity supply
“This doesn’t make sense. The power lines are so near, surely there is no need to use the generator for supply,” he said.
Willie said it was a clear abuse of public funds because the contractor appointed supplies about 2,000 litres of diesel per month at a rate of RM4.50 per litre.
“This means RM9,000 is spent every month on diesel alone. This does not include maintenance and operating charges.
“That amount is surely much higher if compared to the amount that were to be used to connect the school to the power line and pay for the monthly charges,” he said.
Willie said he will be writing to the Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik about the problem and ask for a special fund to connect the school to the power line.
Connecting the power line would probably cost about RM20,000 for wiring while the monthly utility bill may cost about RM100 monthly, he opined.
SK Kambug offers hostel facilities is is a feeder school for six villages, Kampung Sapit, Kampung Kiding, Kampung Assum, Kampung Kakas, Kampung Kamas and Kampung Parang.
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