SCENIC BAKUN: A bird’s eye view of the power intake structure with log boom fronting it.
People in Sg Asap resettlement area must work with SEB to tap its potential – Masing KAPIT: Bakun is not only a giant hydroelectric powerhouse but its lake, which is about the size of the Republic of Singapore, is also an eco-tourism goldmine.
Land Development Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said what the people in the surrounding areas, especially those in Sg Asap resettlement area, should do now was come together, form a body and work closely with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to manage the lake.
He cautioned that the lake and the numerous islands in the catchment area would only remain a “potential” goldmine if the people do not tweak their mindset and be willing to work hard.
“Opportunity alone is not good enough if the people do not take the initiative to equip themselves with the mentality and willingness to tap the opportunity. The potential (for eco-tourism) is there and the opportunity is opened,” Masing pointed out.
“You know why you have to get yourselves organised and manage the lake? It is simply because if you don’t then people from outside will come in and take over,” Masing said during an interview in his residence here on Saturday.
Also present were political secretaries to the Chief Minister Wilson Nyabong Ijang and Angeline Umis Tujok, Kapit Resident Dahim Nadot and Walikota of Kapit District Council Philomon Nuing.
Masing had just returned from Bakun after witnessing the handing over of the ‘Taking-Over’ certificate of the first turbine between Sarawak Hydro Sdn Berhad (SHSB) and turbine owner ALSTOM Asia Pacific Sdn Bhd – a firm based in France.
He emphasised that the people of Sg Asap must work closely with SEB to tap what the lake had to offer to improve their livelihood.
“For example, a body must be formed by the Sg Asap community to work together with SEB to regularise the houses (to be built) within the lake and to manage it properly.
“Do not erect houses anywhere you like as it will serve as an eyesore, like squatters on the lake. So, proper management to take care of such matter needs to be put in place.”