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