KAPIT: Electricity coverage in Sarawak has been accelerated since the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) was introduced in 2016.
More than 1,700 households from 87 villages here now have access to 24-hour renewable energy under the innovative government-community initiative.
Sares is one of several initiatives under the Accelerated Rural Electrification Masterplan, driven and funded by the Sarawak government.
Implemented by Sarawak Energy Berhad, Sares is expected to provide households in these very remote villages with either solar or micro-hydro solutions in the next two to five years.
Recently, more than 1,600 residents from 170 households in nine villages in Sungai Gaat have been given access to 24-hour renewable electricity.
The villages are Rumah Tungku-Ng Semirah, Rumah Nading-Ng Selentang, Rumah Sagen-Ng Ajan, Rumah Mamat-Ng Semirah, Rumah Sait-Ng Puro, Rumah Jaweng-Ng Sandau, Rumah Sugit-Ng Puro, Rumah Kupa-Ng Setapang and Rumah Jegai-Ng Sebiro.
A handover ceremony was held at Rumah Nading recently to commemorate the completion of the solar-powered systems. It was officiated by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing.
Also present were assistant minister for Utilities (Rural Electricity) Datuk Liwan Lagang, Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong and Sarawak Energy manager for Sares Christopher Wesley Ajan.
In his brief speech, Sarawak Energy Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said the implementation of rural electrification scheme involved the community from the planning to the completion of the project.
“The community will be trained to perform regular maintenance on the systems. Our Sares team is on hand to provide technical support and will be deployed should any major works need to be undertaken, to ensure the reliability of the systems.
“When road connectivity in Sarawak improves, these remote villages will be connected to our main grid. In the meantime, Sares serves as a reliable system that meets the basic needs of these rural households,” he said.
