KUCHING: A delegation of Baleh community and association leaders recently went on a study tour of the Srinagarind Hydroelectric Power Plant in Kanchanaburi, Thailand.
The trip was also part of an awareness initiative to learn about the impact of hydroelectric dams on the local community.
The visit from Jan 27 to Feb 1 was led by Native Adat and Penan Affairs Assistant Minister Datuk John Sikie Tayai, who is also Kakus assemblyman.
During the visit, members of the delegation were warmly welcomed by Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) representatives who also gave a briefing on the development of Srinagarind Hydroelectric dam at its auditorium centre.
A briefing on the programmes and activities for the local community was also conducted at Srinagarind agriculture training centre where EGAT representatives explained the process of producing agriculture products.
Subsequent to the briefing, the entourage was given conducted tours within Srinagarind Dam Lake to see the spectacular views of floating restaurants and hotels there.
The objective of the study tour was to give better understanding to community and association leaders from Baleh on hydroelectric dams and the benefits to be derived from the projects.
The trip also provided an opportunity for the community and association leaders to learn from the EGAT experience of how to tap onto business opportunities such as operating floating restaurants and hotels.
The Srinagarind dam is built across the Kwai Yai River at an area known as Ban Chao Nen in Tha Kra Dan sub-district, Si Sawat district, Kanchanaburi province, Thailand.
It’s a rockfill dam with clay core. Srinagarind dam has a height of 140 metres with the reservoir’s catchment area 419 square kilometres.
The power plant that is a reinforced concrete building houses five generating units with a total generating capacity of 720mw. The hydroelectric power plant began operation in 1980.
The study tour was an eye-opener for the Baleh community and association leaders.
Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Kapit Resident Joseph Belayong Punan, political secretary to Chief Minister Wilson Nyabong Ijang, Bukit Mabong district officer Douglas Pungga, Kapit district officer Elvis Didit, Superintendent of Land & Survey Kapit Peggy Runin, Sarawak Energy Assistant General Manager (Corporate Social Responsibility) Jiwari Abdullah, Sarawak Energy Community Relations adviser Stell Sindau, Temenggong Dato James Jimbun Pungga were among those in the delegation.