Sia receives the Chief Minister’s Environment Award from Abang Johari during the award presentation ceremony.
KUCHING: Wargana Consortium Sdn Bhd, a company based in Belaga contracted to collect and dispose of floating logs and biomass in the reservoir of the Bakun hydroelectric power plant (HEP) won the Chief Minister’s Environment Award (CMEA) in Medium Industries Category for its work in Bakun lake recently.
The consortium whose clients are Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd and Sarawak Natural Resources and Environment Board (NREB) was cited for its effort in ensuring a clean and safe environment for all users of Bakun lake.
Wargana Consortium general manager Stephen Sia who received the award from Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at a ceremony said in a statement: “Our work is to ensure the safe operation of Malaysia’s largest HEP by avoiding any waste materials drifting or encroaching
into and within the power intake area, which would prove catastrophic for the dam’s operation,’’
Sia added that when there is heavy rain in the upper reaches of the rivers flowing into Bakun lake the logjam in many areas would worsen.
“Once the water level rises, all these materials will flow out and will block the river passageway again as we have experienced time and time again.
“If these blockages were not cleared all of NREB and Wargana’s efforts for the past year will be in vain (sic),” he said.
Sia assured that Wargana would do its best in ensuring all areas within their scope of work would be clean from all debris and biomass for all those using the lake.
“Our experience gained from reservoir maintenance works over the past years had enabled us to carry out works more efficiently, applying safe environmental practices.
“This award is the recognition of the real winner – our people on the ground working tirelessly day and night to ensure the success of the project.’’
Sia thanked the people in Belaga, who had worked with them as partners, towards achieving this prestigious award.
He also extended his appreciation to Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing, Assistant Minister for Water Supply Liwan Lagang, relevant state authorities, Sarawak Hidro, NREB and also local community leaders for all their advice and assistance during the course of the works.