By DayakDaily Team
KOTA SAMARAHAN, Sept 14: The Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (KKDW) has allocated RM1.8 million to install solar LED streetlights in 23 villages in the Kota Samarahan parliamentary constituency, improving lighting and enhancing safety for rural residents.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development and Kota Samarahan MP Datuk Rubiah Wang said the project prioritises areas without grid electricity supply, particularly village roads and strategic locations frequently used by the community.
She said solar technology enables lighting facilities to be provided without relying entirely on grid electricity, while potentially reducing operating costs and improving the village environment.
“This project provides lighting in areas where it is needed, particularly locations without electricity poles, thereby helping to improve the safety and comfort of residents,” she said while inspecting the implementation of the project at the Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) hawker centre in Tambirat here today.
In the Kota Samarahan area, the project is being implemented through six packages involving 23 villages, while the Asajaya Zone comprises two packages covering Kampung Teluk Sabang, Kampung Tambirat Hilir, Kampung Rebak, Kampung Serpan Laut, and Kampung Asajaya Tengah.
Installation works for the Asajaya Zone began on Sept 4 and are expected to be completed by Nov 27.
Rubiah said the installation also focuses on strategic locations such as surau, halls, schools, and junctions to ensure lighting facilities are provided in areas that directly benefit the community.
She said Sarawak is among four states selected to implement the pilot solar LED street lighting project this year, following an earlier pilot project in Selangor.
Meanwhile, she said efforts would be made to apply to expand the facilities to villages that have yet to receive them, for consideration next year, subject to available allocations and approvals.
The project is expected to directly benefit rural communities by improving lighting in strategic areas, particularly locations without grid electricity. — DayakDaily
