Govt firm on decision to build Papar Dam: Peter
Published on: Tuesday, July 09, 2019
By: Jeremy S Zabala
PAPAR: The State Government, particularly the Infrastructure Development Ministry, is firm on the decision to build the Papar Dam as it is could be a “path to many solutions” involving water woes and power supply.
Its Minister Datuk Peter Anthony reiterated this would make the dam not only able to solve the water woes in the district but also generate 100 megawatt (MW) electricity that could cater from Papar up to Kota Kinabalu and even a potential tourism attraction.
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He also said studies had showed that there would be a water shortage by 2024 and the estimated RM3 billion structure water supply would solve the problem.
“There were objections towards the Babagon dam in Penampang by the local folks but after it was completed, the dam benefitted the people.
“Imagine what will happen if the dam was not constructed, how will the (water) woes in Penampang be solved? What will happen if there is no water for consumption?
“If a problem occurs and the Babagon dam has to be closed for a day or two, the Water Department has to face the music” he said during his visit to the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant, here, Monday. Also present was State Water Department Director Ir Amarjit Singh and other officials.
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The Melalap Assemblyman also stated that the dam construction would be able to overcome the problems experienced by the existing water treatment plants, especially during high tide or other factors that could stop the plant from operating.
He said due to high tide, the salt water would “mix” with fresh water supply and these treatment plants would not be able to operate which has been a source of the water problems in Papar. With this dam, this would be resolved and water distribution could be carried out especially with the stored supply.
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“For example the operation would halt for the plant in case water turbidity occurs in Sungai Padas, Beaufort due to rain or logging.
“Same goes for the plants in Tuaran, especially during floods. None of them can operate. So this is a solution which we must take whether we like it or not,” he added.
Peter said the major requirements and planning are reaching its conclusion but the main issue is identifying the local communities that might be affected by the construction.
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