KOTA KINABALU: The government is going ahead with the proposed Papar Dam and will also revive the Ulu Padas Dam project to ensure sufficient water supply and generate electricity.

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said that the government is doing its best to implement the construction of the two dams.

“Hopefully this can be materialised. I have instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure Development to look into it seriously without further delay. We must try our level best to implement that,” he told reporters after officiating the opening of the Nountun-Bukit Padang road in Kampung Nountun here yesterday.

According to Shafie, such infrastructures are needed to ensure sufficient water supply in the future while at the same time to generate electricity.

“I think it is timely for us to have proper kind of infrastructures particularly in Kota Kinabalu area where water is badly needed by the people.

“In the long run, you can feel the change in the environment. It is real and it is coming. If we don’t prepare ourselves in the years to come, we will be facing problems where there is no water supply,” he said.

Shafie said that the people should know that the dams are not only for water supply but also generate electricity, therefore akin to killing two birds with one stone.

He also commended the police for their success in arresting the 13 suspected terrorists in Sabah last week.

“We have been very concerned about this. We have received some reports from the intelligence that actions have been taken.

“So we must be supportive to make sure that these people who are still at large will be caught and interrogated. I was informed that they will be able to get more information on them,” he said, adding that it must be resolved.

Meanwhile, Infrastructure Development Minister, Datuk Peter Anthony said that the 2.7 km long two-lane single carriageway Nountun-Bukit Padang Road cost RM13.5 million to construct.

The road included one permanent bridge and one roundabout.

Shafie said that the road will be able to ease the traffic congestion in the area which benefits the local residents. He said that the road will also bring about development to the area especially housing.

Sabah Times (Pic: The Star)