MIRI – Although residents have raised concerns after footage of water seepage at the Baleh dam cofferdam were shared, state energy provider Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) has given its assurance that the site is safe.
In a statement, SEB said the water seepage is not due to cracking at the RM8 billion project site.
“Sarawak Energy’s hydropower projects, including our ongoing Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP), are constructed according to the International Commission on Large Dams standard to ensure structural integrity and safety.
“Further to queries related to a video of the cofferdam at Baleh HEP, Sarawak Energy assures the public that the structure is stable and safely intact.
“Cofferdams are constructed using rockfill and gravel to create a dry working environment for main dam construction. Seepage is a common phenomenon accounted for in the cofferdam design.
“For any concern regarding the Baleh project, the public can contact our Baleh dam project team through a dedicated grievance mechanism number at 019-882-8641 or email [email protected].”
The Baleh dam project is located inland from the existing Murum dam and Bakun dam, all of them in the Kapit division.
The project, being carried out by SEB and a contractor from China, started in 2018.
It is expected to be completed in 2025, and when commissioned will provide electricity to the Sarawak main grid.
Earlier this year in June, a massive logjam choked Sg Baleh.
The incident was caused by timber debris washed into the river from logging areas at upper sections of the river.
Many of the logs were also swept into the Baleh dam site.
However, SEB had said the log debris did not cause any structural damages to the cofferdam. – The Vibes, October 6, 2021
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