Baleh dam: Government to spend RM2 billion for infrastructure development in Kapit Division

KAPIT, April 20, 2017 - The government will spend about RM2 billion for a comprehensive infrastructure development in Kapit Division, brought about by the proposed construction of Baleh dam, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Masing said today.

SEB executive vice president for corporate services Aisah Eden presenting a souvenir to Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri James Masing while Tan Sri Datuk Seri Lee Lam Thye (with dark blue shirt) looks on.  The souvenir is specially made by the community of Murum Penan Resettlement Scheme.

He said the development will include the proposed new Tunoh township.

"A sum of RM600 million was allocated for the construction of a 40 km road from Mujong to  Tunoh township. 

"There is also a road from Mujong to Putai, about 73km long, costing RM 1.4 billion," he said at the opening of a safety talk for contractors engaged in the construction of Kapit-Baleh road and the early phases of Baleh dam.

The talk was organised by Resident's Office of Kapit Division, Sarawak Energy Berhad and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) at the Kapit Dewan Suarah.

The Baleh bridge which was completed in November 2015 connects Kapit town to Mujong. 

In addition, the road from Kanowit to Kapit which is about 90km is under construction and expected to complete by 2019.  This project is expected to cost some RM700 million."

"The funds is available because of the Baleh dam and the people's positive attitude towards the project," he added.

Masing urged the local contractors to understand and adhere to safety requirements in implementing their works to reduce the risk of accidents at work.

SEB's executive vice president for corporate services Aisah Eden said the safety talk was part of a constant and continuous efforts to remind and increase awareness among workers and contractors to place safety first.

She said, with everybody putting safety as top priority, it was not impossible to achieve zero work related injuries and fatalities.

“Let us work together to achieve this goal and ensure that “Everyone Goes Home safely”, in accordance to Sarawak Energy’s safety slogan,” added Aisah.

She also said that the safety talk today was very timely as many construction activities related to Baleh hydroelectric project (HEP), such as the road from Kapit to Putai, would be commencing soon.

The Baleh HEP is going to be one of the largest infrastructure projects in Sarawak and will generate another 1,285 MW of renewable energy to the grid.

The project which is bigger than Murum HEP is projected to be completed by 2025.

Site clearing, earthworks and the establishment for contractors’ camp will start by June and followed by the detailed engineering and main project works.

"Baleh HEP is therefore going to be the catalyst of growth for Kapit Division.  The project is estimated to create about 3,500 job opportunities for skilled workers,” she added.

To prepare for the implementation of the project, Sarawak Energy in collaboration with the State Government is organising a special training programme for about 500 youths from Kapit to undergo various technical skill courses which emphasise on safety in specific skills, safety competence and safety culture. 

About 300 contractors and community leaders attended the event.  Also present were Member of Parliment for Hulu Rajang  Datuk Wilson Ugak and Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong.