CHENGDU, China: The state government has much to learn from China in regards to the country’s experience and expertise in the fields of hydro dam engineering and construction.

Adenan presenting Dongfang Corporation president Si (fifth right) with a memento while Jamilah (fourth left), Awang Tengah (left) and Masing (third right) look on.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem said with Sarawak well-endowed with rivers, there is a need to tap its hydropower potential to generate electricity which is relatively cheap and renewable to run its industries.

“We have no experience in constructing hydro dams and we need foreign expertise to assist us,” he said during a welcoming dinner hosted by Dongfang Electric Corporation for him and his entourage in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China on Monday.

In his speech, he also expressed his regret that the construction of dams in the state had been made more difficult due to instigation, mainly from foreign-based non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Adenan, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, arrived in Chengdu on Monday for a two-day official visit where he was welcomed by Dongfan Electric Corporation officials and Kunming Consul Nasri Rahman upon his arrival at Chengdu International Airport.

He was later received by Public Utilities Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Land Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing at the hotel.

Adenan’s itinerary included a formal meeting with the company’s officials at its headquarters here before visiting its turbine and generator manufacturing plant yesterday.

Adenan and his entourage, which included Ministry of Public Utilities permanent secretary Ubaidullah Abdul Latip and Sarawak Energy Berhad chief executive officer Datuk Torstein Dale Sjoveit, also attended a banquet hosted by a Sichuan Province leader at a local restaurant.

Meanwhile, Awang Tengah and Masing yesterday visited the Zipingpu Hydropower Dam where they were briefed by officials on the operations of the dam which also provides water for irrigation and water supply for the population.

Read more: http://www.theborneopost.com/2014/10/15/foreign-expertise-needed-to-help-state-tap-hydropower-adenan/#ixzz3GvMf7vC5