KUCHING, Nov 4: The construction of Sarawak Energy’s largest hydropower project – the 1,285MW Baleh Hydro Dam – has reached 33 per cent completion with works for the main dam for the Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam (CFRD) having commenced in September.
According to a media release, this significant milestone was commemorated with a rock placement ceremony which was attended by Sarawak Energy’s senior management and project delivery team, the project’s contractors, representative from Bukit Mambong District Office and representatives from neighbouring communities.
Sarawak Energy was represented by its chief operating officer Ir James Ung, executive vice president for Project Delivery Ir Pramod Kumar Karunakaran, vice president for Hydro Ir Polycarp Wong and Baleh HEP general manager Ir Tan Hang Kiak.
Elders from the nearby communities comprising Penghulu Jampi Raweng, Lemambang Jaman and headmen from Rumah Laso, Rumah Unggam, Rumah Tajai and Rumah Rentap led and conducted a blessing ceremony for safe works.
Commenting on the project, Group chief executive officer Datu Sharbini Suhaili emphasised that the timely completion of Baleh HEP, one of Sarawak’s largest infrastructure projects by 2027 is crucial for securing the energy capacity required for future renewable demand for Sarawak and the region.
“We have been able to record good progress thanks to the support of the government and relevant agencies as well as the focus of our Project Delivery team and our contractors.
“The Diversion Tunnels were safely completed In October 2020, diverting water from upstream Batang Baleh adjacent to the confluence of the Putai River through 1.2km long dual concrete-lined tunnels running parallel to each other to allow for the construction of the main dam,” he said in the statement.
Prior to the commencement of main dam works, another major milestone was reached in July 2022 when Sarawak Energy completed the package for the jetty, road and bridges.
Pramod added that meticulous planning, consideration and timely execution has led the team to this point where they were able to place the first section of rock – a critical component of the project as it means the beginning to work on the main dam.
“The movement of long lines of trucks filled with rocks of predetermined size and quality from the quarry site to the dam site will remain a significant activity over the next four years to enable safe and timely completion and commissioning of the project by 2027.
“We managed to overcome our challenges through a strong focus, resilience, and collaboration amongst the project management team working closely with our contractors China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC) and Sinohydro Corporation, and all our stakeholders including local authorities and community.
“We were able to re-strategise and quickly make the necessary changes to adapt to the ever-changing environment and to maintain our momentum,” he explained. — DayakDaily
