KUCHING: A key milestone for the 1285MW Baleh Hydroelectric Project (HEP) was achieved in September this year with the beginning of works for the Concrete Faced Rockfill Dam (CFRD).
Sarawak Energy, in a statement, said the achievement was commemorated with a rock placement ceremony attended by Sarawak Energy’s senior management and project delivery team, the project’s contractors, representative from Bukit Mambong District Office and representatives from neighbouring communities.
It stated that to date, the project’s construction has reached 33 per cent completion and the commencement of the main dam’s construction work represents a significant milestone in the project’s progress.
“Despite setbacks faced especially over the movement restriction orders of the COVID-19 pandemic such as skilled manpower shortages, and high-water levels hampering safe work conditions, the project has clocked a series of major milestones,” it said.
Following this, its Group chief executive officer Datuk Sharbini Suhaili said that Baleh HEP is one of Sarawak’s largest state infrastructure projects and that it is Sarawak Energy’s largest hydropower project thus far.
“Timely completion of this project by 2027 is crucial for securing the energy capacity required for future renewable demand for Sarawak and the region.
“We have been able to record good progress thanks to the support of the government and relevant agencies as well as the focus of our Project Delivery team and our contractors,” he said.
Adding on, he stated that the diversion tunnels were safely completed in October 2020 where diverting water from upstream Batang Baleh adjacent to the confluence of the Putai River through 1.2km long dual concrete-lined tunnels running parallel to each other to allow for the construction of the main dam.
“Prior to the commencement of main dam works, another major milestone was reached in July this year when Sarawak Energy completed the package for the jetty, road and bridges,” he said.
Meanwhile, Project Delivery’s executive vice president Pramod Kumar Karunakaran applauded the team for the achievement.
“Meticulous planning, consideration and timely execution have led the team to this point where we are able to place the first section of rock –a critical component of the project as it means we are now beginning to work on the main dam.
“The movement of long lines of trucks filled with rocks of predetermined size and quality from the quarry site to the dam site will remain a significant activity over the next four years to enable safe and timely completion and commissioning of the project by 2027,” he said.
According to him, the team managed to overcome their challenges through a strong focus, resilience, and collaboration amongst the project management team working closely with their contractors China Gezhouba Group Company Limited (CGGC) and Sinohydro Corporation, and all of their stakeholders including local authorities and community.
“We were able to re-strategise and quickly make the necessary changes to adapt to the ever-changing environment and to maintain our momentum,” he said.
At the rock placement ceremony, Sarawak Energy was represented by Group chief operating officer James Ung; Pramod; vice president for Hydro Polycarp Wong; Baleh HEP general manager and Tan Hang Kiak.
