As far back as during the era of Datuk Osu Sukam as the Chief Minister of Sabah, the government has prepared plans to build sixteen dams in Sabah for water supply, hydroelectric power and irrigation for agricultural development.
A total of 296,300 hectares has been identified as having sufficient resources for the construction of sixteen dams. These dams are proposed to be built at Meliau River in Sandakan with a catchment area of 76ha, Lukutan River in Mesapol (149 ha), Upper Papar River (233ha), tawau River (80ha), Pisukan River in Sipitang (44ha), Merotai River in Tawau, Mengkaladom river in Kota Kinabalu (73ha), Baiayo river in Keningau (176ha), Baiayo Upper River (96ha), Bambangan River in Ranau (30 ha), Wariu River in Kota Belud (137ha), Mokodou River in Ranau (155ha), Serudong River in tawau (510ha) and Upper Pada River in Pada (201ha) apart from the Kaiduan dam.
296,300 hectares is more than four and a half times the size of Singapore. Countless people will be affected, not to mention the impact on the environment. It is therefore pertinent that proper process and alternative options are looked into properly before such projects are implemented.
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