KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has come out to clear the air following opposition assertions on who is responsible for street lighting in the Kota Sentosa area.
According to its chairman Lo Khere Chiang, street lighting on minor roads falls under the jurisdiction of the MPP, while the federal road along the Pan Borneo Highway is managed by the Public Works Department (PWD).
He was responding to recent claims raised by Michael Kong, the special assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, about faulty street lights in Kota Sentosa.
Lo, who is Batu Kitang assemblyman explained that the Liu Shan Bang main road in Kota Sentosa is under the responsibility of PWD, whereas the internal and small roads surrounding the main road are managed by MPP.
But regardless whether the street lighting is managed by PWD or MPP, he said that Syarikat Sesco Berhad (a subsidiary of Sarawak Energy Berhad) is responsible for all street lights in the state.
“Sesco is the one who puts up the street lights, replaces bulbs, attends to transformer breakdowns and accidents involving lamp posts,” said Lo.
It is crucial to bear in mind that the installation of street lights is subject to limitations due to the cost of electricity bills, which is borne by residents through their assessment rates, he said.
Lo explained that street lights should be installed every 300 feet and not too close to each other.
“If there is not enough street light, local representatives can come in to assist as far as minor roads are concerned. If there are not enough street lights on PWD roads, then we can request PWD to put up the street lights,” added Lo.
However, it is noteworthy that the bills for the consumed electricity will be the responsibility of the council or PWD, depending on the road’s location.
As Sesco is the maintenance authority for all street lights in Sarawak, residents can also report any faulty street lights to the company for prompt attention.
