KMKK asked to monitor LED solar lights

ASAJAYA, 14 Sept: Community leaders and tribal chiefs (KMKK) are asked to help ensure the safety of LED solar lamps provided under Ministry of Rural and Regional Development Welfare Project (KKDW) from the risk of theft and vandalism.

Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development, Datuk Rubiah Wang said that cooperation between KMKK and villagers is important to ensure the facilities provided by the government are maintained and continue to benefit society.

He said regular monitoring should be carried out so that any damage or problems to solar lamps can be identified and reported to the authorities.

"Sarawak's Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi has reported a lot of vandalism happening to the water and electricity supply in our region. The whole country is facing the same problem.

"We need to have a spirit of cooperation, monitor the maintenance and supervision of projects handed over to villages. Therefore, if possible, the Sarawak Branch Ministry of Rural and Regional Development (MRR) Office would put a sign on the lights on the solar lamp posts to make it easy for villagers to identify", he said.

He said this while addressing the submission program of Solar One Off Village Road Light Installation Project (LJK) in Samarahan Municipal Parliament area for Asajaya district which was held at MPKS Colony Centre, today.

In the same speech, Rubiah asked each KMKK to have a special file that records information related to the project and village assets, including KKDW solar street lighting facility.

He said the complete documentation could help KMKK identify the location of assets and facilitate reporting in case of damage, theft or vandalism.

Meanwhile, Rubiah announced that the repair and maintenance work of damaged lamps was the responsibility of the appointed contractor for five years, with a report submitted to the District Officer.

After that period, the responsibility for maintaining the assets of LED solar lamps will be transferred to Sarawak Branch SMEs.

He also announced that the LED solar lighting programme will be phased out across Sarawak, including areas identified as Baram, Ulu Rajang, Bario and Kapit.-TVS.