Uninstalled meters deprive 500 villagers of electricity
SIBU: About 500 people from 80 families in Bungan Kecil Village at lower Igan River are appealing to the authorities for power supply.
Sibu Rural District Council deputy chairman Robert Lau Hui Yew who visited the village recently, noted that the entire village was still relying on generators for electricity.
“This despite the fact that electricity cables have been connected to their homes for almost six years under the Rural Electrification programme (REP).
“We want to know why electricity meters are still not installed after so many years. This is ridiculous and unacceptable,” Lau said during his Christmas Day visit to the village.
Lau, who is Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) Bawang Assan chairman, also joined the mostly Christian Melanau villagers for a church service at St Francis Xavier’s Church. Among those who accompanied him were political secretary to the chief minister Daniel Bujal as well as SUPP Bawang Assan’s deputy chairman Tan Ching Teck, secretary Jason Tay and Bumiputra Unit committee members.
“I will convey their request for power supply to the Minister for Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi Utom,” Lau pledged.
According to him, over 70 families from nearby Bungan Besar Village as well as several other villages and longhouses in the central region of Sarawak are facing the same plight. He hoped that the implementation of projects for the benefit of the people, particularly those living in rural areas, would be closely monitored.
On a separate matter, Lau disclosed that five jetties under the Rural Transformation Programme ( RTP) in Bungan Kecil had been constructed at a total cost of RM200,000.
“As the BN ( Barisan Nasional) co- ordinator for Sibu Parliamentary seat, I’ve also helped to apply for RM3.5 million for the construction of a plank walkway and retaining walls and the purchase of building materials for houses under the RTP.”
Earlier during the church service, Lau told the villagers to treasure and safeguard racial harmony and to practise religious tolerance.