BINTULU: Close to 5,000 households in 192 villages in remote Sarawak have been lighted up under the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) since its launch in 2016.
The most recent were 125 households from eight longhouses in Tatau near here.
The eight longhouses are Rumah Robert, Ng Segun (14 households); Rumah Edwin, Ng Belungai (36); Rh Degom, Ng Puti (17); Rumah Ta’a, Ng Seda (14); Rumah Linggie, Ng Sikit (19); Rumah Paren, Sg Meruyau (nine); Rumah Gerunsin, Sg Jambu (six); and Rumah Ghani, Batu Anap (10).
A handover ceremony was held at Rumah Robert Ng Segun, Ulu Kakus, Tatau yesterday to commemorate the completion and commissioning of the solar-powered systems. Officiating at the event was Rural Electricity Assistant Minister Datuk Liwan Lagang.
In the Bintulu division, Sares has already powered up 39 remote villages and longhouses.
By 2020, another 102 households from four longhouses will have access to 24-hour reliable and renewable electricity supply through Sares.
The four longhouses are Rumah Lawai Chukai, Sg Sujan; Rumah Nompang, Sg Sujan; Rumah Palos, Sebauh; and Rumah Elwin Ugan, Sebauh.
Speaking during the event, Liwan said, “The Accelerated Rural Electrification Masterplan aims to expedite full electricity coverage for Sarawak by 2025 through a mix of strategies.
“These include expanding the grid by extending transmission and distribution infrastructure as well as lighting up remote communities through off-grid solutions.”
He added that the Utilities Ministry and Sarawak Energy Berhad would work closely to expedite efforts with the allocation of RM2.37 billion approved for 2019-2020 to accelerate rural electrification coverage to 97% by 2020 and full electrification by 2025.
Also present were Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department (Native Laws and Customs) Datuk John Sikie Tayai and Sares manager Christopher Wesley Ajan.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy group chief operating officer Lu Yew Hung said Sares’ team would continue to provide technical support and train the beneficiary communities to operate and maintain the system.
“If any major work is required, the team will be deployed to handle the issue and to ensure supply is reliable.”
