Proposed dam will severely affect 20 odd villages

The proposed dam by the government will adversely affect more than 20 villages and requires 2,000 hectares of land.

According to the Kg Tambatuon headman Singkui Bin Tinggi, the villagers were not consulted on the proposed dam of 340 meter high. He only found out when he obtained the development plan from the District Officer.

Kg Tambatuon is located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain between Himalayas and New Guinea. There is a much smaller mountain nestling at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, the natives called it "the son of Mt Kinabalu" which is named Mount Nungkok.

The villages were informed that the proposed dam which require 2000 hectares of land will affect Kg Bundu Paka and Ka Lingkubang.

SAPP supreme councillor Agnes Liewpin had on 28 January 2010 urged the government to scrap the plan as the dam will not only submerge the village but will severely affect neighbouring villages Kg Bundu Paka and 20 other villages situated beside the Kadamaian river. The dam will also affect the natural environment in the area, which is located near the Kinabalu Park, a world heritage site.

However, Kadamaian Assemblyman Herbert Timbon supported the proposed dam and ask the villagers to reconsider the proposed dam on 27 March this year.