I posted an article about geothermal power plant soon early this year. This renewable energy project is located in Tawau. Everyone knows that Tawau and the East Coast of Sabah in general is currently facing power supply deficiency and power is partly imported from the West Coast.
Latest news: The geothermal project hits a roadblock. It's a shame that this had happened.
In a not-so-pleasant news carried by The Borneo Post on Friday May 11, 2012, the RM419 million geothermal power plant project has been put on hold by the Tawau Municipal Council (TMC) pending a meeting between TMC and Tawau Green Energy Sdn Bhd (TGE).
Local media were told that the councilors "did not know anything about the project" and TMC as the local authority was also in the dark.
For the record the Renewable Energy project would help the East Coast in addressing the acute power supply shortage with its 30MW initial production due in 2014. Details are as follows:
Location : Apas Kiri, Tawau
Cost : RM400 million (RM419mil as disclosed to TMC during the briefing)
Generating capacity : 30MW
Energy tapping : via 12 wells, 1800m to 2000m deep
Build up area : 20 hectares
Expected completion : 3 years (due in 2014)
Tenure : 21-year REPPA with SESB
Awful, awful mistake: Communication gone to the drain?
It is understandable that the affected community would be duly worried about potential environmental mishaps in and around the site, and in every project (water dam, power plant, nuclear facility, etc) the people must be involved in the initial discussions. They are one of the stakeholders for such ventures, albeit not as direct owners. There are now claims that these villagers were not invited to the briefing. I can't believe it; someone is duty-bound to prove it - hopefully the same local media who reported it will take the initiative.
TMC councilors vehemently denied any knowledge of the project. Read about it here. It is difficult to understand that TMC was not informed of significant development right in front of its door step. The proposed site is just 20km away from Tawau town.
TMC president did not state if he too, was in the dark about the proposal. Therefore, we'll take the news at face value and assume that he was duly informed and invited to some of the more important briefings earlier on. In that case, the onus is on him to inform his councilors.
What has gone wrong with our work efficiency?
Let's say these people (councilors, villagers) indeed know nothing about the approved geothermal power project. Who is at fault then? One would probably be quick to point to TGE Sdn Bhd or even SESB. If it is true that way, then I'll say 'serve them right' for the delayed implementation plus liquidated and ascertained damages suffered as a result.
But I wouldn't really buy it. TGE wouldn't want to trade lack of communication for RM419,000,000.00 worth of investment. For that amount of money, the venture has to be done right the first time. And I believe Ir. Andrew Amalados have thought of this long before anyone else raised the issue.
Get on with the 30MW job
If EIA has been carried out to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, with compensation for the folks affected by the land takingover is clearly spelt out, then let the men carry on with the job. Councilors' doubts can be dealt with at the same time. For all we know, the hu-ha hu-ha among the Counsilors could just be due to mis-information. Provide them with the right information.
The proposed 300MW coal-fired power plant has been cancelled for the East Coast and the 64MW turbine generator at Kubota Power Station is not yet available. Let the works on the 30MW sustainable and greener energy source begin.
Latest news: The geothermal project hits a roadblock. It's a shame that this had happened.
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| Image: TGE site |
In a not-so-pleasant news carried by The Borneo Post on Friday May 11, 2012, the RM419 million geothermal power plant project has been put on hold by the Tawau Municipal Council (TMC) pending a meeting between TMC and Tawau Green Energy Sdn Bhd (TGE).
Local media were told that the councilors "did not know anything about the project" and TMC as the local authority was also in the dark.
For the record the Renewable Energy project would help the East Coast in addressing the acute power supply shortage with its 30MW initial production due in 2014. Details are as follows:
Location : Apas Kiri, Tawau
Cost : RM400 million (RM419mil as disclosed to TMC during the briefing)
Generating capacity : 30MW
Energy tapping : via 12 wells, 1800m to 2000m deep
Build up area : 20 hectares
Expected completion : 3 years (due in 2014)
Tenure : 21-year REPPA with SESB
Stakeholders' consultation meeting in July 2011. Image: TGE
Stakeholders' consultation meeting in July 2011. Image: TGE
Awful, awful mistake: Communication gone to the drain?
It is understandable that the affected community would be duly worried about potential environmental mishaps in and around the site, and in every project (water dam, power plant, nuclear facility, etc) the people must be involved in the initial discussions. They are one of the stakeholders for such ventures, albeit not as direct owners. There are now claims that these villagers were not invited to the briefing. I can't believe it; someone is duty-bound to prove it - hopefully the same local media who reported it will take the initiative.
TMC councilors vehemently denied any knowledge of the project. Read about it here. It is difficult to understand that TMC was not informed of significant development right in front of its door step. The proposed site is just 20km away from Tawau town.
TMC president did not state if he too, was in the dark about the proposal. Therefore, we'll take the news at face value and assume that he was duly informed and invited to some of the more important briefings earlier on. In that case, the onus is on him to inform his councilors.
What has gone wrong with our work efficiency?
Let's say these people (councilors, villagers) indeed know nothing about the approved geothermal power project. Who is at fault then? One would probably be quick to point to TGE Sdn Bhd or even SESB. If it is true that way, then I'll say 'serve them right' for the delayed implementation plus liquidated and ascertained damages suffered as a result.
But I wouldn't really buy it. TGE wouldn't want to trade lack of communication for RM419,000,000.00 worth of investment. For that amount of money, the venture has to be done right the first time. And I believe Ir. Andrew Amalados have thought of this long before anyone else raised the issue.
Get on with the 30MW job
If EIA has been carried out to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, with compensation for the folks affected by the land takingover is clearly spelt out, then let the men carry on with the job. Councilors' doubts can be dealt with at the same time. For all we know, the hu-ha hu-ha among the Counsilors could just be due to mis-information. Provide them with the right information.
The proposed 300MW coal-fired power plant has been cancelled for the East Coast and the 64MW turbine generator at Kubota Power Station is not yet available. Let the works on the 30MW sustainable and greener energy source begin.
2 comments:
Elok sangat tu adakan perjumpaaan dengan penduduk
Jangan ada yang tek puas hati atau teraniaya nanti
Penduduk dah jumpa. Yg peliknya some of the Town councilors claimed to have no knowledge of it.
I think some people main sandiwara lah!
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