A Task Force for Papar Dam Community’s Socio-Economic Development (Papar Dam TACSED) has been set up to look into the socio-economic development aspect of villagers potentially affected by construction of a much-needed dam here.
Member of Parliament for Papar Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said its setting up was decided at a special briefing by the Sabah Water Department on the feasibility of the project here.The Department has appointed a consultant to conduct the preliminary study as a catalyst to prepare recommendations and suggestions for the State Government.
Four possible locations in Papar and nearby districts have been identified. Of the four, two have potential but a geo technical study, among others, need to be carried out.SPONSORED CONTENT Tune Talk launches Borneo25 plan catering to Sabah and Sarawak Kuala Lumpur: Tune Talk is excited to announce the launch of Borneo25 Plan, a mobile prepaid plan exclusively designed for subscribers across Sabah and Sarawak. Read more “The Department briefed me that they could not finalise their preliminary study on the project due to lack of cooperation from certain quarters who do not allow them to enter their areas which hamper completion of early stage of the study. “It is necessary and important to get input and feedback from villagers who may be affected so that suitable and proper packages can be created and offered that will secure their livelihood, wellbeing and safety.”Armizan, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department , said this in a press conference after attending the special briefing session, Saturday. Also present were Limbahau Assemblyman Datuk Juil Nuatim, Limbahau Community Development Leader Datuk Johnny Mositun, Sabah Water Department Director Suhaimi Asbulla and senior officials. Sabah Water Department Director Suhaimi Asbulla.He said the Papar Dam TACSED would be chaired by District Officer Mohd Fuad Abdullah and the elected people representatives are in its advisory council while supported and assisted by relevant authorities and community leaders. Among the responsibilities of the Task Force, is to carry out engagement sessions to get recommendations and views from the villagers of the areas involved. “We will share information with the villagers involved so that they understand that this development comes with a package for the socio-economic development of the residents in the area. “A fair engagement session with the concerned villagers must be held soonest to listen to what they want and their aspirations including their fear over implementation of the project, as well as getting their input and suggestions,” he said. Armizan assured that the socio-economic development packages for the concerned villagers would not be one-off but comprehensive and long-term to ensure their wellbeing and safety are secured. “We also want the villagers to understand the urgent need of building this dam here to overcome the State’s water crisis. “Based on a recent data collected from relevant government agencies including concerned ministry and Water Department, showed that Sabah has low reserve margin for water supply at 7.3 per cent, as of end 2022. “Overall, Sabah along with several other states such as Perlis and Melaka are at a low level which is below 10 per cent compared to other states such as Penang and Terengganu which have comfortable level of reserve margin which is above 20 per cent,” he said. Unfortunately, he said when looking more specifically in the main urban areas such as in Greater Kota Kinabalu , its reserve margin is actually at a negative level. Armizan said Papar has been identified due to existence of a water catchment. “Once upgrading project of Telibong Water Treatment Plant Phase 2 is completed, this will tackle the water woes in the northern part of Kota Kinabalu while supply for southern part of Kota Kinabalu which involves Putatan and Papar will be dealt with once the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant Phase 2 in Papar is completed in few years’ time. “These are just medium-term solutions. The long-term solution is construction of a dam as a source of water that could channel stable water supply for the identified areas and eventually address water woes in the State,” he said. Armizan also requested the cooperation of local communities to allow the consultancy team to carry out their study to identify a suitable location as soon as possible. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kremlin accuses Ukraine of killing dam flood victimsSpokesman Dmitry Peskov called the purported shelling attacks ‘barbaric’.
Read more »
Kyiv says it intercepted call showing Russia blew up Kakhovka damKYIV (Reuters) -Ukraine's domestic security service said on Friday it had intercepted a telephone call proving a Russian 'sabotage group' blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric station and dam in southern Ukraine.
Read more »
8 dead, almost 6,000 evacuated on Russian side of damThe Kremlin earlier today accused Ukrainian forces of killing civilian victims.
Read more »
Home minister says govt to study ordered release of report on Amri Che Mat’s disappearancePOKOK SENA, June 10 — The government will study the Special Task Force’s classified report on the disappearance of social activist Amri Che Mat to see what steps can be taken...
Read more »
Dnipro river should return to its banks by June 16 after dam collapse -Russian-backed officialMOSCOW (Reuters) -The southern reach of the Dnipro river is likely to return to its banks by June 16 following a vast flood unleashed by the breach of Ukraine's Kakhovka dam this week, a Russian-installed official said on Saturday.
Read more »