RM300M FOR OFF-RIVER STORAGE
Allocation for projects in Jasin and Alor Gajah
THE state government received an allocation of RM300 million for the construction of the OffRiver Storage (ORS) project at two locations — Chinchin in Jasin and Lubok Cina in Alor Gajah.
The ORS project will ensure effective and economical clean water management.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said the allocation announced by the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry ensured that the supply of clean water in the state would not be affected, especially during the dry season, or cause flooding during the monsoon season.
He said through the ORS project, clean water production by Syarikat Air Melaka Bhd (SAMB) was expected to increase by 310 million litres per day by 2020 to meet needs then, compared with the current production of 580 million litres per day.
“This ORS project will reduce the dependence on water resources purchased from Johor via Sungai Muar, thus reducing the cost of raw water and electricity by RM1.5 million a month.
“It will involve the construction of several ponds that will serve as mitigation to prevent flooding during the monsoon season.
“The water stored in the pond will be pumped out in the event of a drought,” Idris said at the launch of the state government’s monthly assembly organised by SAMB in Ayer Keroh yesterday.