BELAGA: The Federal government has approved fundings for the replacement of hybrid solar batteries and the connection of rural electricity supply grid to the Punan Ba area.
 
Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, the allocations involve RM4.2 million for the hybrid solar batteries replacement, and RM 62 million for the off-grid electricity supply project.
 
According to him, the implementation of the hybrid solar system will be fully monitored and carried out by Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB).
 
“I hope with the implementation of both projects, local villagers will receive benefit in addition to improving their qualities of life,” he said.
 
He spoke at a press conference after officiating the Hybrid Solar Supply Project and the ‘Pemimpin Bersama Rakyat’ programme at Rumah Brain Merin in Punan Ba, here, on Monday.
 
Also present were Federal Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Sarawak Deputy Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Liwan Lagang, Senator Michael Mujah Lihan, Kapit Division Resident, Galong Luang, Temenggong Ajang Sirek, Ketua Kampung Brain Mering, and other dignitaries.
 
In other developments, Datuk Patinggi Dr Ahmad Zahid said he will monitor the implementation of the road construction project from Punan Ba to the Samling Junction, spanning 20 kilometres (km).
 
The Federal Minister of Rural and Regional Development added, several projects such as the water treatment plant for Punan Ba will be tabled in the 2025 National Budget.
 
“Other projects to be included involve the upgrading of the Community Development Department (KEMAS) Office and Tabika Kemas in Punan Ba as well as the construction of a new bridge for the convenience of the locals, especially schoolchildren,” he said.
 
Meanwhile, the Deputy Prime Minister explained that he will discuss with Federal Works Minister, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi regarding the upgrading of Jiwa Murni roads in Sarawak which have been damaged due to timber lorries.
 
At the end of the programme, Datuk Patinggi Ahmad Zahid officiated the handover of house keys under the Hardcore Poor Housing Programme (PPRT) to selected villages and visited the Punan Ba Suspension Bridge. -UKASnews