KUCHING: The lake created by the Bakun Dam should be monitored and controlled by a relevant state agency to maximise its potential, said Sarawak Hidro managing director and chief executive officer Zulkifle Osman.
He said currently, no state agency seemed to look after the lake since the impoundment of the dam started on Oct 13.
“I hope a relevant state agency will monitor and control the usage of the lake, otherwise things can go out of hand. I just need the water but the lake belongs to the state,” Zulkifle told The Borneo Post here yesterday.
He also hoped that the agency would develop the lake into something productive to gain an economic spin-off for the people.
“The lake is ideal for eco-tourism and aquaculture. I hope it will be developed into something beautiful for Sarawak,” he said.
On the latest development of the RM7.2 billion Bakun hydro dam, Zulkifle said the water level had reached 157 metres, falling short by 38 metres, the figure needed by the dam to start one of the six turbines.
The water level is expected to reach 195 metres, which is crucial for the dam to operate.
“At the current rate of water we get from upstream as a result of constant rainfall, we can expect the first turbine to be operational as early as April, which means it is two months ahead of schedule,” revealed Zulkifle.
The dam has a generating capacity of 2,400 megawatt of electricity when fully operational.
Meanwhile, Zulkifle stressed that there should be no doubt on the strength of the dam in withstanding the strong force of water, saying it was built to last.
“The dam has been approved by qualified consultants appointed by the state government. The dam is built to last. What matters most is the depth of the dam that can withstand the pressure for long term,” he stressed.