Bengkulu to build five large dams

Bengkulu to build five large dams

BENGKULU: The South Bengkulu regency administration in Bengkulu plans get money from foreign donors to build five massive dams in 2002 to be used for irrigating some 18,700 hectares of farmland in the regency.

"The five big projects will be built in Air Manula, Air Padang Guci, Air Ulu Alas, Air Manna and Air Penago," Bahrullah Abbas, secretary of the South Bengkulu administration, said Thursday.

These projects are scheduled to be completed at a total cost of approximately Rp 1.2 trillion over a number of years. The funds are expected to be obtained from foreign assistance or a "special" budget allocation.

When completed, Air Manula dam will irrigate about 1,500 hectares of rice farming land, Air Padang Guci 3,500, Air Ulu Alas 1,500, Air Manna 6,700 and Air Penago 3,000.

The local administration has provided some Rp 250 million for a feasibility study to be commenced next month, January 2002. --Antara