KUCHING, Nov 21: Sarawak Energy’s largest hydropower project, the 1,285MW Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP) has reached a major project milestone with the successful completion of its dual diversion tunnels, river diversion and closure works in October.
A blessing or ‘miring’ ritual was organized at the request of the local communities on Nov 18 to mark the safe completion of this critical package of the project.
Community leader Penghulu Jampi Rawing together with the other longhouse headmen ‘Tuai Rumah’ of both the directly and indirectly affected communities conducted the ritual at three locations at site namely the right and left banks at the upper stream of the cofferdam and in the centre area.
The ceremony was also witnessed by Resident Kapit Nyurak Keti, Bukit Mabong District Officer Douglas Pungga Anak Lawang, representatives from the local Government, and Sarawak Rivers Board among others.
The number of attendees was kept at a minimum as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 infection.
SEB in a statement disclosed the completion of diversion tunnels, river diversion and closure is part of the Baleh project’s six work packages.
Measuring over a length of 1.2KM, the dual concrete-lined diversion tunnels running parallel to each other to enable river diversion activities, are now fully functional.
“Baleh HEP is one of Sarawak’s largest state infrastructure projects and Sarawak Energy’s largest hydropower project so far. The project is crucial towards securing the energy capacity needed for Sarawak’s future growth and development and will support the State’s ambition of achieving high-income status by 2030 in providing renewable hydropower for our growth,” Minister for Utilities Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said.
He commended Sarawak Energy, Baleh project team and contractors for their continued focus in achieving the milestone despite multiple challenges at the project site and the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
“During my visit in July, I was able to see the immense scale of the project. At the peak, the project is expected to employ some 3,000 people. I look forward to seeing Sarawak Energy reach future target milestones with the Government’s support,” Rundi added.
Sarawak Energy Group Chief Executive Officer Datu Sharbini Suhaili thanked the Sarawak Government and community for their support that has enabled the corporation to meet its delivery targets.
“The Baleh HEP will contribute towards maintaining Sarawak Energy’s status as Malaysia’s largest renewable energy provider. The project involves multiple stakeholders with different needs. In balancing these, support from the Government and community has been crucial so that we can meet our completion target of the diversion tunnels for river diversion. This is critical towards meeting the current commissioning target of Baleh HEP by 2026.
“On behalf of Sarawak Energy, I would like to express my appreciation to all who made this possible especially the Minister for Utilities, State Disaster Management Committee, Kapit’s Resident Office, District Office Bukit Mabong, Land and Survey Sarawak, Natural Resources Environmental Board, Sarawak Rivers Board, as well as the communities of Baleh and Kapit among many others,” Sharbini said.
When fully commissioned in 2026, Baleh HEP will join Sarawak’s stable of hydropower plants that includes Batang Ai, Murum and Bakun to support Sarawak’s aspiration to become a regional powerhouse of renewable and affordable energy. – DayakDaily
