KUCHING: Some settlements in the upper reaches of Baleh are still awaiting full access to clean water and electricity, with efforts underway to extend basic utilities to remote communities.
Baleh incumbent Nicholas Kudi Jantai said several settlements had yet to be fully connected to the main supply systems, requiring alternative solutions to meet their needs.
“Some settlements in the upper reaches have yet to be fully connected to the main systems. I am working to secure allocations for treated clean water supply and renewable energy for areas that are difficult to connect to the main grid,” he told Sarawak Tribune today (Nov 14).
He said a treated water supply system was being constructed in parts of Baleh through a project supervised by the Upper Rajang Development Agency (URDA).
Kudi said electricity coverage had also been expanded through Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) grid extension projects, particularly in the Mujong area.
The projects also cover some settlements along the route from Baleh Bridge towards the upper reaches via the Mujong-Antawau Baleh road.
He said the expansion of water supply systems had eased the burden on residents who previously had to collect water from rivers.
“Residents can see changes in their daily lives, with water flowing from their taps and lights switched on in longhouses that were previously dark at night,” he said.
Kudi said these improvements were the result of cooperation with the relevant ministries and implementing agencies.
He added that ensuring development reached communities in the upper reaches remained important, particularly those that were difficult to connect to existing utility networks.
“My principle is very clear: no one should be left behind. I always ensure that allocations are distributed fairly, not only to settlements that are easily accessible but also to longhouses and villages in the upper reaches,” he said.
He said he would continue seeking funding for treated water supply systems and renewable energy solutions to improve access for communities that had yet to receive these basic amenities.
