KAPIT: Every village and longhouse in Kapit Division is expected to enjoy 24-hour electricity supply by 2022.

Minister of Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said from this year until 2021, over 5,800 households will benefit from electricity supply projects.

“Fifty-five villages and longhouses comprising 1,386 households will benefit this year,  71 villages and longhouses (1,752 households) in 2020, and 132 villages and longhouses  (2,694 households) will benefit in 2021,” he said during the signing and handing over of Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) Bukit Mabong Phase III at Rumah Anchi, Nanga Sepajie last Thursday.

He also said RM600 million had been allocated this year to supply 400 villages and longhouses compising 12,000 households across Sarawak.

“To date, 192 villages and longhouses, comprising 4,960 households,  enjoy 24-hour electricity supply,” he said.

While admitting the challenges faced, Dr Rundi said the Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) government is committed to achieving 24-hour electricity supply for all by 2025.

“The Sarawak government has allocated RM2.37 billion for the Sarawak Rural Power Masterplan for the 2019-2020 period. By the end of 2020, the percentage of electricity supply will be up to 97 per cent.

“The Ministry of Utilities will work closely with SEB (Sarawak Electricity Berhad) as the implementing agency. The strategy is through the state grid where there are roads, and solar or hybrid system elsewhere,” he said.

He also announced a RM20,000 minor rural project grant for the longhouse’s village security and development committee.

Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, who represented Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing at the event, said 14 longhouses with 292 households would receive 24-hour electricity supply under the Sares Bukit Mabong Phase III.

“Instead of worrying how to preserve proteins, you can now keep them in the freezer. You can preserve the food and spend more time on economic activities to generate an income,” he said.