SIPITANG: The Federal Government, particularly the Federal Ministry of Rural Development (KPLB) needs to complete the Rural Electricity Supply Project (BELB) of the abandoned Hybrid Solar System at Station 2 of Kampung Long Pasia.
Sipitang Parti Bersatu Rakyat Sabah (PBRS) Chief Pius Ganang said the project which was carried out through direct negotiations (design and construction) in 2017 should have been completed in 2019.
Unfortunately, the project failed to be completed according to schedule and has been abandoned for the past few years without any progress.
He said the main contractor’s failure to complete the project harmed the people because they could not enjoy the facilities provided by the government.
The abandoned Hybrid Solar Project.
PBRS asked the Federal Ministry of Rural Development to explain the cause of the failure, as millions of ringgit of the people’s money had been spent on the project.
“We want to know the status of the project and if there are leakages as cause of the project being abandoned, then PBRS requests that the authorities conduct an investigation.
“We are also asking the Federal KPLB Minister to go to Long Pasia and see for himself this neglected project.
“How long shall residents of Kampung Long Pasia and Long Mio have to wait to enjoy the electricity supply facility of the hybrid solar system,” he said.
Pius who received complaints from villagers inspected the project site during his recent visit to Kampung Long Pasia.
“Based on the information on the project sign that has collapsed, the main project contractor is NM 13 Sdn Bhd from Shah Alam, the Main Consulting Engineer is EP Engineering Services with an address in Penampang and the Civil and Structural Consulting Engineer is Alamega Konsult also from Penampang,” Pius said.
He understood that the Hybrid Solar System Rural Electricity Supply Project (BELB) for Sipitang was implemented in two stations, each located in Kampung Meligan and Long Pasia which would benefit more than 500 houses from seven villages.
The Solar Station in Kampung Meligan is able to supply electricity to five villages, namely Kg Meligan, Kg Ulu Bole, Kg Mangayam, Kg Rundulang and Kg Iburu.
The Long Pasia station is for the use of two villages, namely Kg Long Pasia and Kg Long Mio.
He said the construction of solar hybrid stations at the two villages is very important considering that they do not yet enjoy electricity supply facilities.
A resident Jeniffer Opai said she wants the Government to realise the project for the benefit of the villagers who really hope it would work.
“Tourists visit a few villages here, especially in Long Pasia and it will indeed provide them convenience,” he said.
