KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is called to upgrade the existing Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (SARES) initiative which involves a more sustainable hybrid solar solution, with the aim of providing a shared power resource for clustered settlements and longhouses in the rural areas.

Pelagus Assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang said this strategy is expected to deliver a more robust and dependable power supply, enhancing the overall efficiency of electricity delivery to rural settlements.

“This can serve as an important long-term interim solution while awaiting the expansion of the main power grid into rural areas,” he said this when debating the Motion of Appreciation on the address delivered by the Sarawak Governor during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Wednesday.

He also emphasised the need to expedite rural electrification through the continued expansion of the state power grid, which is essential for delivering comprehensive and long-term energy solutions to the population in Pelagus and across the Kapit Division.

On another matter, he stated that water security is often compromised by sediment-heavy runoff during monsoon periods and a lack of volume in primary river sources during the dry season.

“In this regard, I would like to propose that the Sarawak Government continue expanding and upgrading the implementation of the Sarawak Alternative Water Supply (SAWAS) projects to cover all longhouses in my constituency which still do not have access to treated and clean water supply,” he said.

He said the initiative is crucial for delivering high-quality, filtered water to rural areas, thereby establishing a more reliable and consistent water supply that is fundamental to the health and prosperity of the community. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Sarah Nicole Hii
Photo by: George Embie