BELAGA, Oct 2: About 1,300 residents from 133 households in the Kenyah community here have begun enjoying free electricity and water supply following the completion of Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) and Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (Sawas) projects.
According to a statement, Sarawak Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi said both Sares and Sawas projects, which cost RM7 million and RM3.5 million respectively, reflected the Sarawak government’s continuous efforts to provide electricity and water supply throughout the State.
He disclosed that the State government has approved RM2.37 billion under the Projek Rakyat (People’s Project) to implement electricity supply projects throughout the State.
This included two extra-high voltage (EHV) substations, 10 medium voltage (MV) substations, a 500km off-grid electricity supply project which adopts medium voltage conductor cover (MVCC) system, Sares, and Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) Last Miles which extends grid lines into the interior areas.
The Sarawak government had also allocated RM134.6 million to implement the second phase of Sawas involving 22 projects which will benefit 12,417 households to enjoy full coverage of water supply.
Julaihi said this during the handing over ceremony for the Sares and Sawas power systems in Uma Badeng, Long Busang here yesterday.
At the event, Julaihi also approved a RM15,000 grant to Long Busang Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) for the purpose of organising activities.
Amongst those present were Deputy Minister for Utility Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi and Deputy Minister for Telecommunication-cum-Belaga assemblyman Datuk Liwan Lagang. — DayakDaily
