KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that a RM4bil hydroelectric dam will be constructed in Sabah’s Tenom district to address the state’s long-standing water supply issue. The Chief Minister stated that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Upper Padas dam will take place in October. He further mentioned that upon its completion in 2027, the dam will be capable of providing up to 6,000 million litres daily (MLD) of water.
The project is a collaboration between the Sabah Energy Corporation and the private sector. Hajiji emphasized that the dam will have a water supply capacity of 80 to 100 years.
In addition to the Tenom dam, the state government is currently conducting a feasibility study on the possible construction of the Papar or Kaiduan Dam to resolve water issues in the long term and meet the demands of investors. The study will determine the location of the dam in either Papar or Kaiduan.
Hajiji also inaugurated the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant Phase II project in the Papar district. The Phase II development involves RM379mil in upgrade works with the aim of increasing production capacity to 80MLD. The construction is set to begin this month and expected to be completed by August 2026. The project is anticipated to benefit around 160,000 consumers in Papar, as well as areas such as Putatan, Kinarut, and Lok Kawi.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the project will enhance water supply coverage for industrial purposes, particularly in the Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal and the Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct. These developments fall under the Sabah Development Corridor and are projected to continue until 2040. Hajiji underlined the significance of the project in addressing the water shortage issue in the southern west coast area.
To ensure timely completion, Hajiji has instructed the state Water Department to closely monitor the progress of the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant Phase II project. He emphasized the government’s commitment to resolving the water supply problem in Sabah.
During the briefing, Hajiji learned that the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant currently produces 40MLD and the upgrade project will add another 40MLD to its production capacity. The project includes the construction of a new treatment plant, a balancing reservoir, three distribution tanks, and the enhancement of the water intake.
Regarding the water supply issue in Tuaran up to Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Hajiji stated that it is expected to be resolved by the end of the year once the teething issues involving the Telibong Water Treatment Plant II project are addressed. He reassured the public that the state government is actively working to address water problems in the east coast districts of Sandakan, Tawau, and Lahad Datu as well.
Also in attendance at the event were Deputy Chief Minister III cum state Works Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah, Sarawak Affairs and Special Functions) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, local assemblymen, and senior government officers.
Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, who was also present, stated that the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant project was initially planned in 2013 and approved for implementation in 2019. However, it was not commenced by the previous government, resulting in delays and an increased cost from RM312mil to RM379mil. Armizan urged the appointed contractor to complete the project within the specified time frame, emphasizing its critical importance for the well-being of the people.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
