Construction of RM2bil Papar Dam likely to begin next year
Published on: Monday, March 25, 2019
By: Hayati Dzulkifli
PENAMPANG: Construction of the RM2 billion Papar Dam is expected to begin next year, said State Infrastructure Development Minister Datuk Peter Anthony (pic).
He said the dam is at the design and surveying phase now, adding this phase will be completed in six months.
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“The Ministry has directed construction of the Papar Dam to be speeded up as it is one of long-term measures to address the water supply problem in the State’s West Coast in coming years,” he told reporters after launching a run in conjunction with the World Water Day, here, Sunday.
“This project will go a long way towards supplying ample water to the growing population in the State Capital and Penampang.
“Although we have the Babagon dam and water plants in Tuaran and Beaufort, those are still inadequate.
“If the Papar dam is not built, then the water problem will persist.
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“The location has been finalised. But in any case, we are waiting for the environmental impact assessment report first,” he said, commenting on the call by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal on Wednesday (March 20) for construction of the dam projects to be expedited.
Anthony said the Ulu Padas Dam project would also start soon, adding once it was completed, it will supply water to residents in Sabah’s interior areas, as well southwestern districts such as Beaufort and Sipitang.
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In August last year, Peter was reported saying that the Papar Dam, when completed, would supply about 700 million cubic metres (MCM) of water and address the water supply problem from Tuaran, including Tamparuli, to Inanam, Kota Kinabalu and up to Membakut.
"It is timely to build the Papar Dam which has been approved by the State Cabinet to address the present water production capacity now, which is 15 per cent less than the overall supply.”
On the renewal of plumbing licences, Peter said the Ministry has directed the Water Department to call all the licence holders and look into the possibility of giving them leniency, including asking them to attend a course, before renewal is given to them.
“The Ministry has devised a method to enable those clients or companies to understand better or more on acquiring new skills at the department/Ministry level.
“There is no such thing as the Water Department is creating hassles for its clients, including those involved in the technical aspect.
“Actually, prior to this, we found out that the licence holders or their companies are using the names of more than one, like even up to 10 companies, to have the licences which we will do screening on this matter,” he said.
He assured that the Ministry would not trouble the licence holders unnecessarily.
“The Ministry and department encourage holders or companies to come forward so as to facilitate and assist them.
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“We will issue the licences to them as soon as possible as long as they follow and take up the courses that we offer to them.”