disapproval of dam project by 5 NGOs.

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The Star - Thursday, April 18, 2002

Khir: Delay in project can lead to water crisis

 

SHAH ALAM: Selangor warned yesterday that any delay in the implementation

of RM3.8bil water transfer project from Pahang to Selangor will lead to a major

water crisis in the state in future.

Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Mohamad Khir Toyo reminded several

non-government organisations which did not give co-operation to speed up the

project that they must evaluate the situation wisely.

 

He said at his office here that the project must start immediately to

overcome the expected water shortage in the state by 2007.

 

He said the project which included the construction of two dams in Pahang

required five years to complete.

 

Dr Khir said the state government had already allocated an area for the

construction of a water treatment plant to complement the project while the

Federal government had identified two sites for the construction of the dams in

Pahang.

 

" The Japanese Government has pledged to provide us with the funds but with

the condition, that the project should not cause harm to the environment and it

must get endorsement from NGOs.

 

" We have an uphill task to get the support of the NGOs which will not give

the go ahead for the construction of the dams, " he said.

 

Dr Khir urged the NGOs to evaluate the situation wisely and provide their

backing to the government's efforts.

 

He said the government had taken various steps to get the project going in

order to save the state from a major water crisis.