Commenting on the condition of the bridge leading towards Pehin Dato Jamil Primary School, observers said: "It's an accident waiting to happen."

There are currently more than 400 students schooling at the primary school. Concerned parents, who described the bridge at "very shaky and frail", hoped that the relevant authorities would act soon.

The Bulletin has learnt that the school has closed the bridge for safety reasons. The school's administration has instructed its students to use another bridge in the mean time.

However, parents said that the "other bridge" is not appropriate for primary schools students because it lacks proper fences or railings. "It's not safe for my kids," one parent exclaimed.

"What is worrying is that hundreds of students will use the bridge when it is time to go home from school," a group of teachers told the Bulletin. "This is why it is important for us to ensure that our students are filed into a single line when they go home."

Hj Jalil bin Luba, a member of Kg Setia 'A Consultative Council, said that teachers have brought up this matter "on many occasions" during village consultative council meetings. Hj Jalil said that he was one of the people who help with the construction of the bridge some 15 years ago.

It was learnt that the main bridge first became shaky three months ago.

Officers from the Estate Planning & Maintenance, Ministry of Education, said they were currently holding talks to replace the bridge. According to informed sources, a sum of about $50,000 has so far been agreed with a construction firm who will replace the bridge.

Teachers hope that a concrete bridge would be constructed and that improvements would also be made on the second bridge.

They are also concerned about what would happen if a fire were to break out at the school. Currently, the school only has two bridges, they explained. "Our concern is that the bridges are too narrow."

In the event of a fire, some of the students may have "no choice" but to jump into the water, they said. "This is indeed worrying." Officers from the ministry have reassured the Bulletin that they are addressing this issue urgently. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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