Kaiduan Dam: Ice-breaker dialogue held
Published on: Monday, July 06, 2015
Kota Kinabalu: An "ice breaker" dialogue on the proposed Kaiduan Dam was held between villagers of Kampung Terian and Kampung Buayan and the Steering Committee of Kota Kinabalu Water Supply Phase 3 on June 24–26.Response at the dialogue was encouraging and contrary to what was reported by the NGOs or individuals who have criticised the government for the project.The dialogue between the steering committee comprising of the State Water Department, Penampang and Papar district offices as well as relevant agencies and the affected villagers was in response to the proposals during a briefing session on Apr 28 this year.
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The proposed Kaiduan Dam inspired since a study conducted in 1987 and 1994 within the Penampang and Papar districts had been the subject of certain resistance published in local newspapers recently with various unsubstantiated allegations and negative perception believed to be instigated by a number of NGOs openly criticising the government.Water Department Director, Ag Mohd Tahir Mohd Talib said that initial effort in pursuing research to site particularly on social impact had been hampered by the aggressive verbal intimidation threats and numerous display of banners with threatening messages.On Jun 24, a group of six people led by the Deputy Director of Water Department, trekked 5.5 hours from Kampung Kibambangan to Kampung Terian and another 2.5 hours from Kampung Terian to Kampung Buayan. The rest of the group travelled in 18 vehicles including two vehicles from the Penampang Health Office.
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"It was the government's intention and hope to provide information and to obtain direct feedback from the villagers surrounding the estimated areas to clarify on the proposal of the KK Water Supply Phase 3 – Kaiduan Dam as the most reliable and economical option."This is based on a study, "Second Sabah Water Supply Project done by Asian Development Bank (1987) and a potential dam site based on the Sabah State Water Resources Master Plan (1994) in order to cater for the long term water supply (2020-2050 and beyond) for the districts of Papar, Penampang, Putatan, Tuaran and Kota Kinabalu.
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"It is anticipated that by year 2020, the existing supply will not be sufficient to cater the water demand required by the rapid increase of development and population in these areas," he said.The dialogue sessions were also aimed at assisting the government in completing part of the studies required for the Special Environmental Assessment (SEIA) and Social Impact Assessment (SIA).Without these data it was likely that the Kota Kinabalu Water Supply Phase 3 would be seriously prejudiced and delayed at the expense of the general population of the five districts.Feedbacks from the villagers during the sessions was recorded including other matters especially land, infrastructures and government assistance schemes that need to be addressed as required for the SEIA and SIA process.Concerns from the villagers that their livelihood would be affected negatively by the proposed dam would be gathered and attended to via open dialogue discussions intended to continue until resolution is met, he said.Numerous police reports have been lodged by both the NGOs and the Steering Committee members for fear of safety including over defamatory publication in social media and press to certain officials notably the District Officer Penampang that may well be seditious in nature directly preventing or obstructing government official work.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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