By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, April 1: Impoundment of the Baleh Dam is expected to begin in three years’ time in 2024.
This is disclosed by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing who told DayakDaily that the Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP) itself will be completed in 2024 but it will only be fully operational in 2026.
“However, by 2025, we will be able to produce first power and full power will be harvested by 2026,” Masing told DayakDaily.
He said the dam is crucial for the development of the greater Kapit where following its completion and the road network brought about by the dam project, Kapit Division will be able to take off as one of the growth nodes in Sarawak.
“Even before the Baleh Dam and the road network are fully completed, we are already witnessing the development and vitality of Kapit Division.
“Now Kapit town is so vibrant – businesses are flourishing and there is a lot of activities between Kapit and Sibu and other towns along the Rajang Basin.
“I believe by 2026, Kapit division will be an area of its own distinctiveness and character and thus, a booming tourism centre, apart from being an agricultural centre,” said Masing.
Baleh HEP upon completion is expected to produce 1,285 MW of power and it is the catalyst for development in the Kapit Division.
It is one of the crucial projects to secure the energy needed to power Sarawak’s growth to achieve high income status under Sarawak vision of 2030. — DayakDaily
