Relocation of flood-prone school to a more suitable location
The Governor of North Sumatra, Muhammad Bobby Afif Nasution, inspected the relocation of SMKN 1 Gido in the village of Somi, in the Nias district. The school, which floods regularly and lacks adequate facilities, will be rebuilt at a new, safer, and more representative location.
The first construction phase is expected to be completed in November 2026, so that the building can be put into immediate use for educational activities.
“Moreover, it is wet agricultural land; even a little rain causes immediate flooding, and there is a river mouth nearby. There are reports of crocodiles, so it is dangerous, which is why we are moving the school here,” said Bobby Nasution after inspecting the relocation of SMKN 1 Gido.
The relocation of SMKN Agribisnis Ikankanan Tawar (APAT) has received full support from the community. The 2-hectare plot of land used for the construction was donated by local resident Faonasekhi Lawolo.
“We did not have to purchase the land. Mr. Faonasekhi Lawolo donated two hectares of his land. We are very grateful to him,” said Bobby Nasution, accompanied by the Regent of Nias, Yaatulo Gulo.
In the first phase, facilities such as a boardroom, a practice room, two classrooms, toilets, a water tower, and a drilled well are being built. Additionally, supporting facilities are being constructed, such as a stage, a parking lot, school roads, fences, and other facilities.
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To provide access to the school, the provincial government of North Sumatra donated 5 billion rupiah to the Regency government of Nias for the construction of a road. “As soon as the road is finished, it can be put into immediate use. As for the road leading here, we donated 5 billion rupiah to the Regency government of Nias, so they are building it,” said Bobby.
On the same occasion, Bobby Nasution also presented scholarships to three students from SMKN 1 Gido to continue their education at university.
“Wherever you want to study, we will provide scholarships. Note down the names, Mr. Head of the Education Department (Alexander Sinulingga),” he added.
The donor of the land, Faonasekhi Lawolo, expressed his pride in his contribution to the construction of a school in his village. He hopes that the new school will produce a generation that can help the region move forward.
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“Hopefully, our children and grandchildren will continue to enjoy this school. The school will become better and smarter and contribute to the progress of our village, making our village proud,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fani Putri Zelita Gulo, a student from SMKN 1 Gido, welcomed the construction of the new school. She explained that the school currently often struggles with flooding, which disrupts education.
“When it rains, sir, it overflows. The floor is underwater, the roof leaks, so we cannot study. Moreover, all the fish in our laboratory pond have been washed away by the water. We have to start all over again,” said Fani. ***rel
