Published: Saturday June 20, 2009 MYT 3:27:00 PM

4,000 residents to benefit from solar energy project

TAWAU: Some 4,000 residents of Kalabakan, about 100km from here, are expected to benefit from a solar energy and fresh water supply project being carried out in the area.

Kalabakan MP Datuk Abdul Ghapur Salleh said the RM20mil-solar project under Rural and Regional Development Ministry was well underway.

"As we can see, the erection of electric poles and cables in the village area of Kalabakan is almost complete," he told reporters after simultaneously opening the Umno branch annual meetings for the Kalabakan, Brumas and Luasong zones.

Abdul Ghapur said the allocation for a mini water supply plant, worth RM12mil, had also been approved by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak through Felda.

In three or four months, the appointed contractor would start work on the plant, expected to be ready by end of next year, he said.

"The project was actually for the residents of Kampung Murut, but it can also cater to the needs of residents in Kampung Kalabakan," he said.

Besides that, Abdul Ghapur said 500 houses of the poor and less fortunate in the parliamentary constituency of Kalabakan that included Merotai, Tanjung Batu and Sebatik would be given aid to repair their homes.

He said a RM7.5 million allocation from Felda had already been approved and that repair works would be carried out soon.

"We will provide home owners with material such as wood planks, zinc, nails and such, worth between RM10,000 to RM15,000.

"This is the first such project using this approach in Malaysia and this is the privilege given to parliamentary constituencies with Felda estates," he said. - Bernama

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