SIBU, June 13: Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) continues to engage residents of Kapit and Baleh to build capacity and ensure the community is well-informed and ready to take advantage of opportunities brought about by the proposed Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP), scheduled for completion in 2026.
Over 60 participants from 45 companies attended a one-day briefing and workshop on local content opportunities for the project.
Organised by SEB, the programme was supported by Pertubuhan Kebajikan Penduduk Baleh (PKPB), Kapit Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Kapit Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCCI).
A statement from SEB today said the participants were briefed on the latest project development and were able to meet and interact with the main contractors of the project during the workshop.
The participants had expressed their appreciation for the opportunities to discuss business prospects with the main contractors, China Gezhouba Group Corporation and Untang Jaya Sdn Bhd JV.
SEB Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Jiwari Abdullah, said SEB had been working proactively with PKPB in conducting briefings, dialogue sessions and workshops for local companies in the area.
“SEB has been engaging the stakeholders to understand their aspirations as well as to fulfil the state’s development agenda. We are determined on implementing an overall plan to ensure that the local contractors are fully aware of the opportunities available for them,” Jiwari said in his welcoming speech at the event.
Among those present were Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit, who is also chairman for PKPB and Baleh Community Consultative Committee; political secretary to the Chief Minister Tapah Ita, Baleh HEP project director Tan Chuan Ngan, and representatives from Kapit CCI and DCCI, and SEB staff.
The briefing is part of an ongoing engagement initiative with the people in Kapit and Baleh since 2015. It was divided into various segments to, among others, give a status update on the mammoth project, CSR engagements and community investment initiatives.
The briefing was conducted by both local content senior executive Kho Kiat Chai and covering manager for community relations Augustine Supen Taja.
The second segment was the briefing by JEC Designbuild Sdn Bhd and Perbena Emas Sdn Bhd JV on updates on the construction of the jetty, roads and bridges. The third segment was on the Operator Village package, which was presented by the main contractor, Untang Jaya Sdn Bhd.
The fourth segment of the briefing was on the diversion tunnel package, which was presented by Sinohydro Corporation and AF Sdn Bhd JV. The fifth segment of the briefing was on the main civil work package, presented by China Gezhouba Group Corporation and Untang Jaya Sdn Bhd JV.
SEB is also collaborating with training institutions to train 500 youths from Baleh and Kapit so that they could benefit from the Baleh HEP. A training fund had been allocated to train them in fields such as construction, welding, scaffolding, safety and health, engine operation and maintenance, electrical, mechanical, metal blasting and coating.
To date, 319 youths from the area have enrolled for various courses at both certificate and diploma levels, with some currently pursuing their diplomas.
The Baleh HEP, which would have a generation capacity of 1,285 MW, is scheduled to be completed by 2026. The construction of the dam is in consultation with best practices in hydropower development under the Hydropower Sustainability Assessment Protocols (HSAP) of the International Hydropower Association (IHA). — DayakDaily
