Article: Milau dam problem resolved,125 affected families short-listed for relocation

Monday August 10, 2009

KOTA MARUDU: The long-standing problem of villagers affected by the construction of the Milau dam in Sabah's northern Kudat district has finally been resolved.

A total of 125 affected families have been short-listed for relocation to a new site just 2km away at Kg Garau in Matunggong, where they will live in houses costing RM41,000 each.

Kota Marudu MP Datuk Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili said construction of the dam that began six years ago was deemed critical to overcome water shortage in Kudat but this had affected nine villages, whose residents had to be relocated.

"Many of them who possessed land titles were compensated by the state government.

"However, there were those who were in a quandary because they did not have documents to prove land ownership.

"Nevertheless, they had customary rights claim. The matter has been resolved on humanitarian grounds," said Dr Ongkili at the ground-breaking ceremony on Friday.

The building of the homes and facilities would cost RM10mil, he said, adding that it would include basic facilities and amenities, such as places of worship, fields, water supply, electricity and roads.

"Kota Marudu channels 40% of its water supply to Kudat, causing the district to also suffer from water shortage. The dam will ensure that Kota Marudu and Kudat will not be dry during a draught," he said.

Dr Ongkili also said that the dam, which was 90% ready, would be completed by the year's end.

This article was taken from: The Star Online: Nation 10 August 2009