Prime Minister to Visit Bakun Dam This Upcoming Weekend
Prime Minister Datuk Patinggi Najib Tun Razak is scheduled to tour the RM7.3 billion Bakun Dam in Kuching this weekend. The visit comes as the dam, one of the largest in South East Asia, continues to operate despite concerns about its safety and structural integrity.
The Bakun Dam, located in Belaga, Sarawak, has been operational since 2014. With a capacity ranging from 1,700 MW to 2,110 MW, the dam is expected to reach a crucial milestone by April, as the water level is expected to reach 195 metres, a key step towards the dam's full operation.
During his visit, Najib is expected to be briefed on the latest development of the dam by Hidro Sarawak Sdn Bhd managing director and CEO Zulkifle Osman. However, the prime minister is not expected to discuss the sale of the dam to the Sarawak government during this visit, as it is considered premature.
The flooding of 169,000 hectares of land by the Bakun Dam has created an ideal location for aquaculture and eco-tourism. Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Billy Abit Joo has invited investors to explore the potential of these industries in the Bakun Dam and its surrounding areas.
The reservoir offers opportunities for fish farming and other aquatic activities, which could be a significant economic activity in the region, contributing to local food security and employment. Eco-tourism initiatives could focus on showcasing the local flora and fauna, offering boat tours on the reservoir, and promoting sustainable practices to support the local economy while preserving the environment.
However, any development in these areas would require careful planning to ensure environmental sustainability and avoid negative impacts on the reservoir's ecosystem. The practice of aquaculture and the development of eco-tourism would need to be managed responsibly to maintain the health of the reservoir and the surrounding environment.
In addition to exploring economic opportunities, Najib is also expected to visit the people at Belaga Town during his visit. He is also scheduled to visit the resettlement scheme at Sg Asap, where many people were relocated due to the construction of the dam.
The Bakun Dam's operational status remains a topic of discussion, with concerns about the construction practices used by Sinohydro, the dam's builder. Despite these concerns, the dam continues to contribute significantly to Sarawak's renewable energy output.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's visit to the Bakun Dam presents an opportunity to explore the potential for aquaculture and eco-tourism in the region. These opportunities could support local economic development but require careful planning to ensure environmental sustainability. The prime minister's visit also provides an opportunity to address outstanding issues such as Native Customary Rights land around the dam area.
The Bakun Dam's potential for aquaculture and eco-tourism, as highlighted during Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak's visit, could contribute significantly to both local economics and environmental sustainability. However, it is crucial to manage such developments responsibly, ensuring they maintain the health of the reservoir's ecosystem while providing opportunities for food security, employment, and sustainable practices. Meanwhile, the ongoing discussions regarding the operational status of the Bakun Dam, which is one of South East Asia's largest, revolve around concerns about its construction practices and the impact they may have on the dam's safety and structural integrity.
