‘Debris clearing at Bakun Reservoir should continue’

KUCHING: Two community leaders have called on the government and Wargana Consortium to continue with works to clear floating logs and other debris from Bakun Reservoir and its smaller tributaries.

While praising the effort to keep the reservoir clean and beautiful, they said the clearing of logjam works must continue as floating logs and debris will still float down from time to time with the water level of the reservoir.

“Currently the water level of Balui Reservoir is low but once the water level rises, all these materials will flow out and will block the river passageway again as we have experienced time and time again.

“If this happens all of NREB (Natural Resources and Environment Board) and Wargana’s efforts for the past year will be in vain,” said a statement yesterday signed by Kayan headman Siring Angah and Kenyah headman Eyommos Ngang, from Uma Lesong in Naha Nyabong and Sang Anau in Long Bulan, respectively.

The statement was in response to an article in The Borneo Post on Aug 1 in which Wargana general manager Stephen Sia said Bakun Lake is among the world’s cleanest following the removal of logjam debris.

Wargana Consortium has been collecting debris and floating logs to clear the passage way at Sungai Murum, Sungai Linau, Sungai Balui and Sungai Belepeh area to Long Bulan since April last year.

Meanwhile, Kayan community leader Penghulu Saging Bit said he has been monitoring the condition of the logjam and noted vast improvement in the navigation of affected rivers over the past year.

“Our people have been working closely with NREB and Wargana for more than a year to clear the affected passageways. We wish to thank our Chief Minister (Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg) and the state government represented by NREB for their concern for our people by immediately taking action on the logjam in our area.

“It is our hope that these clearing works will continue for the sake of everyone residing in the area,” he said.

If this happens all of NREB (Natural Resources and Environment Board) and Wargana’s efforts for the past year will be in vain. — Kayan headman Siring Angah and Kenyah headman Eyommos Ngang