However, he said the TAED, originally planned as a multibillion-ringgit mixed development project in Tanjung Aru here, will be scaled down and not involve any reclamation work.
At the same time, the government is mulling over the possibility of moving the Papar Dam to its original location in Penampang.
“We might move the dam back to Penampang because I was informed if we did it in Papar, the dam could only provide water for up to 60 years, whereas in Penampang, it would be 85 years.
“So, we have several more years before we have to look for another water source. That’s why I said we need to move to the Kaiduan area (in Penampang).
“Water shortage is a problem throughout Sabah. We need to be brave, if we’re not, then the people will suffer,” he told reporters after an event here today.
Bung said the cost of the TAED project would be reduced since it would not involve any reclamation, although “some work” could be carried out on the Tanjung Aru beach.
“We will make use of the beach but not all because the rest are still public areas. The board of directors have been appointed by the chief minister and I believe work will start this year,” he said.
The previous Warisan-led state government had also planned to resume both projects, initiated by the earlier Barisan Nasional government, but received brickbats from NGOs and political parties, including those in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah now.
Warisan had proposed to move the dam project to Papar from Kaiduan but was still met with objection from several parties, including the Taskforce Against Kaiduan Dam.
On a separate matter, asked about the squabble between the Umno and PPBM youth wings over the poaching of members, Bung, who is also the Sabah Umno chief, told them to focus their energy on serving the people instead.
“We practise democracy and to me, all this ‘buying’ of members is not easy. But it is up to the members which party they want to join, no need to fight.
“My advice is to help the people, don’t fight over this membership issue because now is the time to serve the people,” he said.
He also reiterated Sabah Umno’s stand of keeping the GRS government intact, adding that his party has good relations not only with PPBM but also with the other partners, PBS and STAR.