KOTA KINABALU: Two grassroots movements have objected to the construction of a dam following the state government’s announcement that it is conducting a feasibility study to build the dam either in Papar or Penampang.
The Taskforce Against Kaiduan Dam (Takad) and Save Papar River (SPR) has, in a joint statement on Saturday (Aug 26), urged the government to review the plan and consider other alternatives.
Takad chairperson Diana Sipail said geologist Dr Felix Tongkul (pic) had proposed a few alternatives that were both people- and environmentally-friendly, while being cost effective.
"We remain firm with our decision and call on the government to choose a more environmentally-friendly alternative as has been expressed and suggested by Tongkul," she said.
She added the International Water Association (IWA) members Datuk Dr Amarjit Singh and Lim Sin Poh had also proposed the construction of coastal reservoirs as opposed to dams.
(Tongkul had also proposed building coastal reservoirs besides storing water from the Papar River on high ground as alternatives).
She said Amarjit’s and Lim’s suggestions were subsequently backed by PKR vice-president and former Putatan MP Awang Husaini Sahari.
"They stated that building coastal water reservoirs would be a cheaper alternative for the Sabah government to solve the state's water problems than building traditional dams," Sipail said.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor had on Friday (Aug 25) announced that the state was conducting a feasibility study on the Papar or Kaiduan dam as another long-term solution to Sabah’s water woes and to cater for the needs of investors.
"The study is to establish whether to build the dam in Papar or Kaiduan (in the neighbouring Penampang district)," he said, after launching the Kogopon Water Treatment Plant Phase II project in Papar.
This was not the first objection by the local communities as they had been fighting against the dam’s construction since it was first proposed at Moyog (Penampang) as the Kaiduan Dam project over 10 years ago.
Meanwhile, SPR chairman Jackly Likinsim claimed that an engagement session on the feasibility study on the proposed Papar Dam was hastily held between representatives from state government agencies and residents from Kampung Bisuang, Kampung.Kaiduan and Kampung Bolotikon on Thursday (Aug 24).
He further claimed, however, the villagers were earlier told by a government-appointed native community representative that they were not allowed to pose any questions during the session and that they would face "consequences" if they did.
As a result, he alleged, this caused tension to rise at the beginning of the session until enforcement officers were called in.
"This has also put pressure on village heads who were urged to make decisions without first discussing with the community," he said.
Likinsim said they had lodged a police report over the matter at the Papar police station the following day.
"The people should have the freedom to speak and not be controlled," he said.
Towards this end, Sipail said there were other alternative solutions such as natural water catchment areas and more efficient water management apart from dams.
"The dam will bring great harm to the environment and the indigenous people in the area who also depend on natural resources for their sustenance," she added.
