29-07-2025
Six longhouses in rural Katibas now get 24-hour power supply, thanks to RES
Lidam, flanked by Harry (standing, fifth left) and Ambrose, joins others in a group photo with the villagers of Rumah Johnny at Sungai Tekalit in Katibas.
KAPIT (July 29): The villagers of six longhouses at Sungai Tekalit in Katibas now enjoy 24-hour electricity supply, thanks to the Rural Electrification Scheme (RES).
Under Phase III of the scheme, the people of Rumah Johnny, Rumah Dunggo, Rumah Lumpong, Rumah Bahrain, Rumah Ensam and Rumah Ebin are now benefitting from reliable power that has improved their daily lives.
The RES sets out to extend the existing supply from Sarawak Power Grid to the 'un-electrified' areas, giving access to electricity for rural households and other facilities such as rural schools and rural clinics.
'This facility (RES) has brought significant changes to the daily lives of these longhouse residents in Tekalit.
'Now, they don't have to worry about cooking food like meat, fish and vegetables immediately, as these can be kept fresh in the fridge over a longer period of time.
'More importantly, however, the stable electricity supply really benefit the fields of education, health and local economy.
'Students can now access online learning, and our healthcare workers can utilise medical equipment to the fullest.
'This is an important step in rural development,' said Katibas assemblyman Lidam Assan in announcing the readiness of RES Phase III at Rumah Johny last weekend.
On another matter, he called upon the village security and development committee (JKKK) of Rumah Johnny to engage with the local Fire and Rescue (Bomba) statin in programmes meant to raise public awareness of longhouse fire safety.
'Seek advice on setting up your own Volunteer Firefighting Squad,' he added.
Later, the assemblyman announced a government grant for JKKK Rumah Johnny to plan and hold activities meant for the benefit of the longhouse folks.
Among those present at the session were the Ambrose Abong Bugek, the political secretary to federal Works Minister; Watson Awan Jalai, a political secretary to the Sarawak Premier; Song District officer Harry Bruce Edwin; local community leaders Temenggong Jamit Untam, Temenggong Toh Tze Hua, Pemanca Lim Eng Hock and Penghulu John Kho Chong Bee; as well as Sarawak Energy Bhd divisional engineer Mariana Sylvester. electricity supply Lidam Assan longhouses rural electrification scheme
