MIRI: The impoundment of the Bakun dam scheduled for Oct 10 had a faulty start due to inclement weather.
It was rescheduled for the following day, and yet again another tragedy struck the dam site. This time a long boat capsized and a man has been reported missing.
What does this portend?
“It is a sign that something is going to happen,” warned an elderly Iban shaman. In the Iban tradition, a 'miring' ceremony including the slaughtering of a pig must be held to appease spirits,” he said.
However, the impoundment proceeded at 10am yesterday, despite protests by natives and non-governmental organisations.
Sarawak Conservation Alliance for Natural Environment (SCANE) condemned both the federal government and the state government for permitting Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd to proceed with the water impoundment without having any emergency rescue plan (ERP) in the event of any environmental disaster.
“Once again, SCANE warns the Sarawak Hidro Sdn Bhd not to immediately stop impounding the water for the Bakun dam without any Emergency Rescue Plan (ERP) that guarantees the safety of the communities living downstream.
“The government and the Sarawak Hidro should not too hastily close the river diversion tunnels to impound water for the dam until the ERP has been drawn and the people are well informed of the plan and that all precautionary measures are in place and operational,” said SCANE national coordinator Raymond Abin.
He said that prior to the impoundment, the communities downstream should be adequately informed of the adverse impact of monstrous projects like the Bakun dam, some of which might not have been anticipated.
“We urge the government and Sarawak Hidro to put in place security and emergency plans rather than totally overlook them and gamble with nature...,” Abin said.
