KUCHING: The Rural Electrification Scheme (RES) for Bengoh is entering its second phase and residents whose houses have yet to be connected to the electricity supply can start to submit their applications.

Dr Jerip (left) presents a grant to a recipient.

Assistant Minister of Public Health Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, who is Bengoh assemblyman, said all villages in his constituency were already connected with electricity supply except for some new houses.

“As far as electricity supply is concerned we are fortunate because all areas are well covered and we are going to start the second phase, mainly to bring electricity to new houses.

“So those without power supply can now start applying through their respective headmen who will later submit their names to my office,” he said when distributing RM294,000 minor rural project (MRP) funds to some 40 organisations yesterday.

He said this was the third and final disbursement of MRP grants under him for this year and any request received after this would be carried forward to next year.

“The total MRP funds given out this year was close to RM1 million and they are usually given to village committees, organisations and voluntary bodies for them to carry out their activities.

“For this year, our emphasis had been on religious organisations and institutions because we noticed that many of the places of worship are already too old and dilapidated so they need to be repaired or upgraded,” he said.

Dr Jerip said as the MRP grants were inadequate to implement big projects, his office tried to distribute the funds available fairly among all villages.

“We want to make sure that every kampung receive some MRP grants and as such each of them will be receiving only a small amount.

“For bigger projects we will not be using the MRP funds but will apply for grants from the State Development Department,” he said.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/10/17/bengoh-rural-electrification-enters-second-phase/#ixzz3GvJdMZXP