92% Progress, Mbay Dam Nearing Completion

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Public Works (PU) continues to accelerate the completion of the Mbay Dam construction in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT). As of 31 March 2026, the cumulative physical progress of the dam has reached 92.12%. The Mbay Dam is expected to strengthen water resilience while supporting agricultural productivity in the area. “We agree that water resource infrastructure is crucial for achieving food self-sufficiency. One example is the construction of dams that are then channelled through primary, secondary, and tertiary irrigation systems directly to agricultural land,” said Dody, quoted on Thursday (23/04/2026). The Mbay Dam is designed with a storage capacity of 51.74 million cubic metres. This infrastructure will enhance irrigation services for up to 5,899 hectares of agricultural land. The government considers the dam as one of the key infrastructures in supporting agricultural productivity and food security, especially in areas with limited water availability. The construction of the Mbay Dam is carried out through two construction packages and one supervision package running in parallel. The work includes the construction of the main dam, access roads, national road relocation, as well as operation and maintenance facilities. “We are not only chasing targets but also maintaining quality and benefits. All work must meet standards so that this dam can truly be utilised maximally by the community,” Dody stated. With progress nearing the final stage, the Ministry of PU is optimistic that the Mbay Dam can soon provide benefits, particularly in improving water resilience, supporting agricultural production, and driving economic growth in the NTT region.