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HYDRO POWER
@ Forest | November-December , 2020
Major milestone
Completion of diversion tunnels , river diversion and closure part of the Baleh project ’ s six work packages
Sarawak Energy ’ s largest
hydropower project to date , the 1,285MW Baleh Hydroelectric Project ( HEP ) has reached a major project milestone with the successful completion of its dual diversion tunnels , river diversion and closure works in October .
A blessing or ‘ miring ’ ceremony was organised at the request of the local communities recently to mark the safe completion of this critical package of the project . It was a collaboration between the Baleh HEP team and the community leaders with support from Kapit Resident and Bukit Mabong District Offices .
Community leader Penghulu Jampi Rawing together with the other Tuai Rumahs ( headmen ) of both the directly and indirectly affected communities conducted the ‘ miring ’ ritual at three locations at site namely the right and left banks at the upper stream of the cofferdam and in the centre area .
The ceremony was also witnessed by Nyurak Keti , Resident Kapit , Douglas Pungga Lawang , Bukit Mabong District Officer , representatives from the Local Government and Sarawak Rivers Board among others . The number of attendees was kept at a minimum as a preventive measure against the Covid-19 infection .
The completion of diversion tunnels ,
Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom
Datu Sharbini Suhaili river diversion and closure is part of the Baleh project ’ s six work packages .
Measuring over 1.2KM , the dual concrete-lined diversion tunnels running parallel to each other to enable river diversion activities , are now fully functional .
Sarawak ’ s Minister for Utilities Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom congratulated Sarawak Energy and commended the Baleh project team and the contractors for their continued focus in achieving the milestone despite multiple challenges at the project site and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic .
“ Baleh HEP is one of Sarawak ’ s largest State infrastructure projects and Sarawak Energy ’ s largest hydropower project so far . The project is crucial towards securing the energy capacity needed for Sarawak ’ s future growth and development and will support the State ’ s ambition of achieving high income status by 2030 in providing renewable hydropower for our growth ,” said Rundi .
“ During my visit in July , I was able to see the immense scale of the project . At peak , the project is expected to employ some 3,000 people . I look forward to seeing Sarawak Energy reach future target milestones with the government ’ s support ,” he said .
Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datu Sharbini Suhaili thanked the Sarawak government and community for their support that has enabled the corporation to meet its delivery targets .
“ On behalf of Sarawak Energy , I would like to express my appreciation to all who made this possible especially the Minister for Utilities , State Disaster Management Committee , Kapit ’ s Resident Office , District Office Bukit Mabong , Land and Survey Sarawak , Natural Resources Environmental Board , Sarawak Rivers Board , as well as the communities of Baleh and Kapit among many others ,” Sharbini added .
The river diversion and closure works for Baleh HEP commenced on Oct 1 , 2020 and completed on Oct 16 .
The construction for closure berm or rock layer built across the upper Batang Baleh will continue to a safe design elevation level of 71m in a month ’ s time . Once completed , main dam construction will begin . — @ Forest
During my visit in July , I was able to see the immense scale of the project . At peak , the project is expected to employ some 3,000 people . I look forward to seeing Sarawak Energy reach future target milestones with the Government ’ s support .”
— Stephen Rundi Utom