SABAH is going ahead with a plan to build a dam in Papar, despite resistance from stakeholders and environmental groups.

Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal made the plan, approved by his cabinet, known to Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar today.

Jayakumar, in town for a working visit, is taking notes on Sabah’s wish list ahead of the tabling of Budget 2019 next month.

Shafie said the much-needed dam will cater to the state’s growing population and booming tourism industry.

“Tourists’ visit would be spoiled if there is no water supply,” he said, adding that thousands of locals work in the tourism sector.

Asked how the government would handle objections to the dam, he said: “No worries. We will engage them and explain the situation.”

The plan for the Papar dam was announced on August 3, replacing the controversial Kaiduan dam planned in Penampang. The Kaiduan dam was proposed during Barisan Nasional rule.

The Papar dam would be located in Kg Bisuang, where the river is connected to Sg Kaiduan, which flows through Penampang.

State Infrastructure Development Minister Peter Anthony has said the dam will cost RM2 billion.

The dam is part of the state government’s preparations for an imminent water shortage in the west coast district, expected to hit by 2025.

Works are estimated to take four years, and once completed, the dam will be able to hold up to 700 million cubic metres of water.

It will resolve water woes in Tuaran up to Membakut, Kota Kinabalu, Inanam and Tamparuli, where about a million Sabahans live.

On August 8, some 200 Kg Bisuang villagers gathered to protest against the proposed dam. The rally was organised by Pertubuhan Angkatan Gabungan Rakyat Asli Sabah, led by Michael Frederick. – October 30, 2018.