Penampang: Villagers affected by the proposed RM2.8 billion dam in Kaiduan, Papar, unanimously rejected the government-funded project as well as any plan to relocate them.
John Sobitang, Kampung Buayan village chief, who claimed to be representing residents of Kampung Babagon Laut, Tiku, Timpayasah and Buayan, said they had been residing in the village even before the British rule.
"We've been planting paddy, fruits and rubber, among others, on our land and based on the Sabah Land Ordinance 1930, we have rights to this land based on Section 15 of the Native Customary Rights (NCR)," he said.
The four villages, according to engineering consultant company SMHB Sdn Bhd director, Ong Boo Say, would be the only ones affected if the dam were to be built.
John said the villages concerned have basic infrastructure such as balairayas, primary schools, teacher's quarters, hostels, churches, Bailey bridges, non-sealed roads and gravity pipes, among others.
In addition, there were also facilities provided jointly by the community and NGOs such as micro hydro, nursery, eco-tourism, traditional medicine farms, tagal system and water catchment areas. "We also have acquired the approval for assistance to rear livestock and commercial crops such as white pepper and rubber," he said.
The people in the four villages, he said, are in the process of getting a telecentre built by Unimas (Universiti Malaysia Sarawak) that would provide Internet access to villagers in Buayan and the surrounding villages.
"But if the dam is built, all these would be seriously jeopardised and lost not to mention agricultural areas along the lower Papar River because it would cause sea water to seep further inland."
John said the 12 sq km area that would be flooded after the dam is constructed would submerge their heritage and also the unique biological system in the area that has been part of the tourism destinations in Sabah.
He said the project is clearly against the World Indigenous People's Rights Declaration signed by the Malaysian Government on Sept 13, 2007 during the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.
"It also contradicts the Government's slogan of 1Malaysia that the people comes first and performance given priority," he said.
He said if the dam were to be built, it would submerge a large area of forest that has been the Kadazans' and Dusuns' source of traditional medicine, wild fruits, forest resources, wildlife and fishing spots.
The villagers, he said, are actually the protectors of the forests including its inhabitants. And it would deprive the younger generation of a source of income, culture and heritage, he continued.
He said the people are against being relocated because it would relegate the community to backwardness due to their way of life being compromised.
To this end, he said they suggested the dam be built at Mandalipau River where there are no human settlements.
And as for the non-revenue water (NRW) that is causing millions of ringgit in losses to the Government, a detailed and systematic management on the water pipes and enhancement of its security system should be applied to overcome the NRW, he said.
"Regarding electricity, we suggest that in areas where there are frequent power shortages, the Government build dams near these areas to supply electricity to the areas concerned," said John.
He said the government also ought to enhance its enforcement to stop power thefts by squatters and errant factories to prevent loss in revenue and power shortage.
"If these can be addressed, the Government need not build the RM2.8 billion dam. The money then can be used to provide essential development projects for the people," he said.
Maang villagers, on the other hand, also protested the proposed construction of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP) under the Kota Kinabalu Water Supply Phase III project.
Its village chief, Joannes Jiony said the project that was approved by the State Cabinet on April 13 this year would cover 70 per cent of the land area in Maang.
He said they don't agree with the WTP being built in Maang for the simple reason that the village is heavily populated.
"The water treatment plant should be at another location that has less population and where there will be a lower impact to the environment," he said.
Land, he said, is the cause for existence as well as culture, religion, customs and thrusts of the Kadazandusuns. Hence, if they lost their land, it is tantamount to destroying or insulting the people in Maang.
"If we lose our land, it is just like destroying the existence of a race, religion, culture, customs and thrusts," he said.
Referring to the proposed land acquisition plan issued by Smart Survey Consultant dated Aug. 6 this year under the authority of the Water Department, he said it is very clear the WTP requires a huge area for its construction.
Joannes said the people are very disappointed that the government did not bother to carry out social and environment impact studies before the State Cabinet approved the project last April.
"This is clearly not in line with the 1Malaysia concept that the people should be given priority first," he said.
While Maang residents are not against the Government's aspiration to provide water supply to the people at large, he said they are only against the location the WTP is to be built.
The people, he said, suggested that the water treatment plant be built near the shooting range in Lok Kawi.
(Published on: Saturday, October 31, 2009, Daily Express)http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=68531
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