The Malaysian Insight

SABAH will proceed with the construction of a hydroelectric dam costing RM3 billion in Papar, despite resistance from stakeholders, according to a state minister.

Sabah Infrastructure Development Minister Peter Anthony said the dam was undergoing some redesigning to its present plan after the Warisan-led government decided to relocate the project to Papar.

He said a secluded area adjacent to Kg Mondoringin would be the final site for the dam and would cost around RM3 billion.

“The initial cost proposed was around RM2.8 billion. It is much higher now as it includes electricity generation. It will be able to produce around 100 kilovolt-ampere (kVA) once completed and supply up to 100 MLD (megalitres/day).

“It will also address all water shortages in much of the west coast districts, especially Papar, Kimanis and Beaufort, while also improving power supply in these areas,” he said during a visit to the dam site yesterday.

Two areas had been initially proposed for the dam site – Kg Bisuang and Kg Mandalipau in Papar.

It was originally sited in Kaiduan at the edge of Penampang by the previous Barisan Nasional government.

The project had seen delays in the past due to opposition from villagers and conservationists.

The dam is part of the state government’s preparation plans for a water shortage in the state’s west coast, expected to hit in 2025.

Peter yesterday said it had yet to be determined exactly how much forested area would be submerged in water to accommodate the dam.

He said this would be made clearer once the design was completed in the next two to three months, and that all the agencies involved, including the Land and Survey Department, would give their recommendations.

“We hope to start the project as early as next year. It will be good to start it earlier as the surrounding areas, like nearby roads, will be improved and this will improve transportation and businesses,” he said.

He said the state government was also looking at acquiring a soft loan from the federal government or appointing a turnkey contractor to undertake the project.

“After six to seven years, once the state government pays off the debts, it could generate RM400 to RM500 million in revenue from electricity and water production.” 

Peter said the government was also looking into compensating and resettling villagers.

Over opposition from environmentalists, he said he was aware of their concerns but said the state government had to prioritise the people’s needs.

“But I believe after the new proposal comes out, it will be good. Even people in the area seem to show no objection to the project.” 

Meanwhile, Papar MP Ahmad Hassan said the dam was necessary as his constituency would face water shortages in about five years.

“We are also looking at the possibility of the government relocating the international airport within my constituency. So, we really need this.

“We could also build more eco-tourism businesses around the dam once it is completed,” he said. – June 26, 2019.