GEORGE TOWN: SMK St George’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has urged the authorities to expedite repair works of the structure of the school building which was damaged during strong wind last week.
It is believed that the structure is not able to hold much longer, probably only until the end of the year, which puts students’ lives in danger.
PTA chairman Nicholas Fletcher said the school was among the oldest in the state, and there were also other problems in the school.
Parts of the building were damaged by termites while decade-old trees had damaged the floor.
The situation worsened after the strong wind on Friday, with the hostel, housing 47 students, was also damaged, rendering the school books unusable.
“On that day, the hostel ceiling came crashing down with rain water pouring into the rooms, damaging the electrical appliances. Thankfully, no students were inside. The books, pillows and mattresses were badly damaged and are unusable.
“Now, the whole third floor has been closed due to safety concerns,” he said today.
Fletcher, together with the school principal Ku Mariam Ku Iskandar, escorted Pulau Tikus assemblyman Lee Chun Kit to visit the affected areas and the damaged structures.
The students are now placed at the second floor and the ground floor. However, the place is now congested as they have to share the space with the other students staying there.
Fletcher said the unpleasant environment could affect the students’ emotions, especially those sitting for their Form 3 Assessment (PT3) and Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations soon.
“The Public Works Department and relevant parties visited the sites recently, and estimated that repair works will cost about RM1 million.
“The work commencement date has yet to be fixed but we hope it can be done soon as this involves safety of the students,” he added.
