KAPIT: The people of Sungai Gaat have thanked the state government for providing them with 24-hour clean renewable electricity supply through the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) introduced in 2016.
Sares is one of several initiatives under the Accelerated Rural Electrification Masterplan, driven and funded by the state government through the Sarawak Ministry of Utilities.
Implemented by Sarawak Energy Berhad, Sares is expected to provide households in rural villages and longhouses with either solar or micro-hydro solutions in the next two to five years.
Tuai Rumah Nading Jalin of Nanga Selentang, Ulu Sungai Gaat was delighted that his 26-door longhouse has clean renewable energy free of charge.
Every family is allocated 2,000 watts while as Tuai Rumah, he has 3,000 watts per day.
Nading was speaking at the handover ceremony conducted at his longhouse recently to commemorate the completion of the solar-powered system that was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing.
“Last time, it was very difficult because we used diesel generator sets. Diesel is expensive and difficult to transport here because of the long distance. By boat, it takes some eight hours from Kapit town. It was very challenging,” Nading said.
“Now, with the electricity supply, our lives become easier and more comfortable. Now, we can buy refrigerators (freezer), fans, rice cookers or even washing machines instead of washing clothes at the river. Life becomes easier. So we can spend more time to do economic activities like going to the farm,” he added.
The longhouses along Sungai Gaat, Baleh that are enjoying 24-hour electricity supply include Rumah Tungku at Nanga Semirah, Rumah Nading Jalin at Nanga Selentang, Rumah Sagen at Nanga Ajan, Rumah Mamat at Nanga Semirah, Rumah Sait at Nanga Puro, Rumah Jaweng at Nanga Sandau, Rumah Sugit at Nanga Puro, Rumah Kupa at Nanga Setapang and Rumah Jegai at Nanga Sebiro.
