Logjams along Sg Linau at Bakun Reservoir cleared
BAKUN: The joint corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme between Balui Lake Native Association (BLNA) and Wargana Consortium Sdn Bhd involving Bakun Reservoir had just reached completion.
The programme involved clearing the floating logs and debris, which had caused the logjams in Sungai Linau of the reservoir.
The clearing of floating logs and debris along Sungai Jakah, in upriver Sungai Linau, officially kicked off on March 29 this year, but the physical works had actually commenced on March 10.
Upon the completion of the clearing works, it would ease the navigation of the Orang Ulu community living upstream of Bakun Reservoir.
The ceremony to mark the completion of the programme recently was attended by Murum assemblyman Kennedy Chukpai Ugon, local community leaders Penghulu Saging Bit and Penghulu Katan Lawai, as well as representatives of the BLNA and Wargana.
According to Saging, who is BLNA secretary, the association represents all communities affected by Bakun hydroelectricity power plant and the objective of its formation is to ensure that these communities would not be left out when it comes to the development of Bakun.
He also called upon those still living in the upriver areas of Bakun to be proactive and work with BLNA so that their voice could be heard.
On the CSR project, Saging said many local residents had been employed by Wargana to carry out the clearing of logs and other debris from the river.
“BLNA hopes for a more permanent solution to the repetitive logjam problem, to be carried out by the government together with the locals,” he said.
In his remarks, Chukpai thanked the BLNA and Wargana for helping the people of Sungai Asap and Belaga through this joint CSR programme, where he had personally seen the logjam condition previously, which he regarded as ‘a very worrying state that could become worse if no action had been taken’.
He also commended Wargana for its quick action of mobilising equipment so that the clearing of floating logs and debris along Sungai Linau could be carried out as soon as any logjam was reported.
“The villagers who are living upriver need to be patient; they must also not lose hope in the government.
“Having said this, I also hope that the state government would find a permanent solution to this problem once and for all,” he said.
At present, BLNA and Wargana have completed the logjam clearing where massive floating logs have been spiked and tied up firmly, waiting to be disposed of via controlled burning.
What is worrying is that if no further action is taken to continue these works by the relevant authorities, all current efforts would be in vain as the floating logs and biomass would only keep on accumulating.
BLNA hopes for a more permanent solution to the repetitive logjam problem, to be carried out by the government together with the locals.
Saging Bit