Is water tunnel the best way to bring water from Pahang to Selangor?

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw calls on the Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Peter Chin to explain clearly to the people the true reasons for transferring water along the proposed 44.6 km-long tunnel from Pahang to Selangor and the justification for Selangor to pay RM 80 million a year to the Pahang Government for the water.

Dr Tan does not understand fully the rationale for the project that consists of the tunnel, the Klau Dam, a raw water pump station and water pipes. Apparently, the project has been awarded to a consortium of four companies: IJM Corp Bhd, UEM Builders, Shimizu Corporation and Nishimatsu Construction Co Ltd. Is there a controversy concerning Nishimatsu? Is this the only consortium that is the best choice?

On May 25, 2009, the Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister witnessed the ceremony for the construction of the tunnel which will start on 1 June, 2009, costing RM 1.3 billion. The total cost of the project to bring water from Pahang to Selangor is estimated at RM 3.93bilion. It is scheduled for completion by 2025.

Apparently, the large part of the project will be financed through loans by the Japan International Cooperatian Agency (JICA), while the Federal Government will foot the remainder of the bill.

There are things which we don't understand. For example, is it simpler and cheaper to treat the water in Pahang and transport treated water through pipings to Selangor? Obviously, with the involvement of JICA, Japanese firms are represented. Is there anybody else who can offer more attractive alternatives?

We hope Datuk Peter Chin is able to clear up the muddiness on the water tunnel project. We need transparency and accountability.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw