Tuesday, 28 November 2017

Efforts to obstruct contractor to site may delay completion of SEB's RM10.5 million Miri substation



MIRI, November 28, 2017  -  The RM10.5 million Miri Town 33kV Indoor Substation, which will reinforce electricity supply for the city’s central business district, is scheduled for completion in August next year.

But the target date may not be reached if the local communities persist with their obstruction to the site.

The indoor substation is a critical component of the overall supply network reinforcement works for Miri, catering for the city’s rapid expansion and increasing electricity demand.

SEB commenced work for the benefit of its overall customers and is concerned that if obstruction to site entry continues, the project will be delayed affecting supply of electricity.

"SEB respects the rights of individuals and organisations to express their point of view, and appreciates that this be done in a manner that is lawful and does not jeopardise the safety of others," a statement said in reference to efforts by the local communities to stop the contractor from entering the site.

The statement said SEB has issued a temporary stop work order for the approved project in the interest of the safety and security of its employees and contractor's workers.

"Unfortunately this will cause a delay in the timely completion of this substation," it said, explaining that the claims are not targeted at SEB, but police reports have also been lodged for the safety and security of the employees and contractor's workers on site.

The statement said SEB will continue to work closely with the authorities and the relevant agencies to ensure amicable and speedy resolution of this matter, and appeals to the land claimants to allow construction to resume as this is being pursued.

The existing Miri Town substation is currently an outdoor facility and is more than 30 years old requiring upgrading works which includes the reconditioning and replacement of the substation’s equipment.

"This will also improve the substation’s performance in terms of reliability and compatibility with the rest of the on-going upgrading initiatives.

"The overall reinforcement work undertaken by SEB with an investment of almost RM1 billion is expected to be completed within the next five years," the statement said.

As part of this, major projects implemented simultaneously since 2014 include additional injection points with the construction of a number of zone substations in urban Miri and its outskirts to cater for the city’s rapid development and expansion.

Other infrastructures such as additional feeders, transformers, replacement of ageing equipment and power lines, are also being undertaken.

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