By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 3: The proposed cascading hydropower project at Ulu Sungai Tutoh will not flood villages or force relocations as feared, says Mulu assemblyman Datuk Gerawat Gala.
He explained that unlike mega dams such as Bakun, Murum or Baleh, the cascading dam under study would not create a massive reservoir.
“The area to be inundated is small, and nearby villages such as Long Kawa and Long Seliang will not be affected or relocated,” he said when officiating at the groundbreaking ceremony for RM52 million worth of rural water supply projects held at Kampung Long Ukok, Sungai Tutoh, Baram here today.
Gerawat stressed that the project, if implemented, could open up new economic opportunities for the people.
“It will bring development, employment and business prospects to rural communities. This is why we cannot allow misinformation to derail such initiatives,” he added.
He cautioned that a minority of activists and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have been spreading incomplete or inaccurate information to stir opposition against development in Baram.
“In democracy, the majority voice must prevail. It is not right for a minority to block progress that benefits the majority,” he said.
At the same time, Gerawat revealed that of the RM1.5 billion allocated by the Sarawak government to RECODA and HDA, RM1.23 billion has been invested in 25 road upgrading projects covering 370km, while RM265 million has been set aside for 17 water supply projects—four of which were launched today.
He also highlighted the upcoming Miri–Marudi–Long Panai–Long Terawan–Kuala Malinau road (MMMLL), costing nearly RM4 billion, which will connect with SSLR2 from Limbang to Long Iman and Kuala Malinau, transforming the Tutoh region’s connectivity.
“With new roads, clean water, 24-hour electricity, and internet services, Tutoh will be transformed. It is now up to the people to seize opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” he said. – DayakDaily
