KOTA KINABALU: Consumer Front of Sabah (CFOS) supports wholeheartedly the proposed construction of the Kaiduan Dam as it is the only means through which water supply in the West Coast zone could be assured.
“West Coast zone is undergoing rapid development with the construction of commercial, industrial and also residential buildings.
“With the construction of these buildings, it is surely expected that population will increase and the need to ensure sufficient water supply is a necessity that cannot be delayed,” CFOS deputy president 1 Francis Daniel said in a statement issued here yesterday.
CFOS was represented at a Forum held at the Sabah Water Department on Thursday, August 6 this year, and together with representatives from other groups, such as environmental, tourism and concerned citizens, “we are fully satisfied with the justifications from the Water Department’s deputy director, Teo Chee Kong on the necessity for the dam.
In Teo’s presentation, he clarified that the proposal to build the dam was mooted together with the Babagon Dam some 30 years back in view of the government’s commitment in ensuring water supply sufficiency for the coming years.
Teo also mentioned the fear and concerns of the villagers affected by the proposal and stressed that such issues would be addressed through the proposed appointment of a comprehensive Special Impact Assessment studies (SIA) to be undertaken by the Institute for Development Studies (IDS).
“Having understood the urgency of the proposal and mindful of the concern by the government in tackling all issues related to its construction, CFOS is therefore confident in giving its full support toward its realization, with utmost consideration to the sufficiency of water supply for the future generation,” Francis said.
He added that CFOS would also undertake its responsibility to ensure that the welfare of those affected would be given top priority by the government so that they would be able to continue their livelihood without any difficulty.
“CFOS is also confident that the proposals voiced by those who attended the Forum were advantageous to the affected villagers and should be seriously considered by the government and implemented for the good of all.
“CFOS hopes that those who are against the proposed Kaiduan Dam will reconsider their stand and allow appointed officers from the IDS to undertake the comprehensive studies so that amicable solutions could be drawn and implemented.
“CFOS also understands the call from Sabah Save Rivers Coalition for a forum on September 16 this year but such forum should be deferred until after the completion of the proposed studies,” Francis concluded.