Wit (standing) with Dr Rundi after the radio interview.
KUCHING: A holistic approach is needed to meet the needs of Sarawakians, particularly that of the rural folk, says Minister of Public Utilities Datuk Dr Stephen Rundi. He said a lab would be organised soon to find the best way forward for his ministry.
“Immediate, medium-term and long-term plans for water, electricity and telecommunication service are needed in Sarawak. They will be divided into three categories namely urban, semi-urban and rural in order to get the real picture of the coverage,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Dr Rundi, who is also state BN secretary-general, said his ministry would need to employ the Sarawak Alternative Rural Electrification Scheme (Sares) to expedite electricity coverage at inaccessible areas.
The new scheme included the utilisation of renewable energy like solar and micro-hydro in interior areas. It’s in line with the state’s rural transformation programme and its aims was to provide 24-hour electricity supply through advancement in alternative energy technology to remote communities which would take time to connect to the main electricity grid. The state would attract more foreign direct investment (FDI) by providing more renewable energy, he said.
As far as treated water supply is concerned, Dr Rundi said Rural Water Supply Department would be more focused on expediting the rural coverage. The ministry would create Sarawak Alternative Rural Water Supply (Sawas) under the Blue Ocean Strategy for this purpose. Dr Rundi added that his ministry would also contribute to improve the broadband penetration in Sarawak.
On state politics and administration, Dr Rundi thanked Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for appointing two members of the Dayak community as deputy chief ministers – Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing. He believed Adenan was now more confident in the Dayak community. Adenan would also go the extra mile by creating a non-Islamic religious affairs’ minister in the person of Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, Dr Rundi said.
Uggah also holds the portfolio of Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture and Rural Economy while Masing, Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation. Their portfolios are relevant to the developments of the rural and coastal areas without neglecting those in the urban areas, said Dr Rundi.
Dr Rundi, meanwhile, took time on Tuesday night to be interviewed by WaiFM radio talk host Wit Malang over his new roles and functions.