By Shalina R.
RM2.3 bln federal power projects on schedule – Max
KOTA KINABALU: The progress of federal funded projects worth RM2.3 billion to further light up Sabah and improve quality of power is on schedule, said Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Maximus Johnity Ongkili.
Maximus explained that the projects costing the total amount have been planned for the span of four years.
“This is entering the second year. Several projects have already been completed especially some PPU (Maintenance Distribution Sub-Stations). Some are still at design level because it takes six to eight months sometimes for consultancy and design works,” he said.
“But in terms of the schedule, it is going according to schedule.
“Out of the RM2.3 billion, we have spent up to 35%, almost to 40% level. That reflects the progress of this project,” he explained.
Maximus said the service quality in Sabah can partly be measured through the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) and width of the network.
“At the moment, of course, if we divide the areas by zone, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan, Tawau, Sandakan, and if we enter Kota Marudu, Kota Belud, Tuaran, Papar, Kudat, Pitas, Kunak, Kinabatangan, the SAIDI in those areas are still high,” he said.
“All these improvements for PPU and PMU (Transmission Main Intakes) as well as the lines and so forth, will not only improve first the quality of power but also widen the service network to those areas just surrendered for instance, by KKLW (Rural and Regional Development Ministry) as the rural network is done by the ministry,” he added.
However, he reminded with the upgrades comes the need for ‘purposeful’ power ‘downtime.’
“This year, we have set it (SAIDI) again at 250 (minutes). If all goes well, we should be able to achieve, barring any major disaster such as fire and so forth.
“We are doing our best to make sure the quality of power in Sabah is not only improved but also the service width and our coverage will also be wider,” he said.
In two weeks’ time, a lab will also be held to reduce SAIDI in Sabah.
Currently, Maximus said the main challenges faced by the state government are issues pertaining to land.
He added that some implemented projects have been delayed because of land issues, and the Pan Borneo Highway development is also a factor affecting the implementation of other projects.