Abang Johari (second right) presenting a trophy and cash prize of RM2,400 to the Maren Uma (village chief) of Uma Kahei, Betrice Kedoh Tajang. Her village’s team won in the 35-paddler category of the Belaga Regatta. With them are (from left) Frederick, Ik Pahon, Abdullah and Liwan.

BELAGA: The hinterland tourism study on the huge man-made lakes that arose out of the hydroelectric dams in Bakun and Murum and the proposed dam in Baleh will be completed next month.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the government hoped to promote these lakes, which are all located in Kapit Division, as a ‘lake district’ and built a new township to spur ecotourism.

He said the State Planning Unit (SPU) has the help of a consultant from New Zealand and several consultants from China to conduct this study.

“We will identify the new township, and it will be of international standard. “It will reflect local customs and traditions.

“It will have the necessary infrastructure to offer services that are closely linked to tourism. We also expect the new township to provide jobs for our graduates,” he told a press conference after officiating at Pesta Belaga here yesterday.

He, however, declined to reveal where the proposed township would be located.

Abang Johari said the government would also be able to promote the state’s rich biodiversity as the Sarawak Forestry (SFC) had laid the foundation in all the identified lakes.

“In these great lakes, we can promote sightseeing and aquaculture. In short, we can promote anything related to ecotourism.”

“Once the studies are completed, we will redefine the various sectors that we will develop with local participation. The important thing is to create jobs for the locals.”

He disclosed that this master plan could be implemented under the coming eleventh Malaysia Plan (2015-2010).

“Once we have identified the place, we will provide the necessary infrastructure, and then we will need the private sector to help us build it. It has to be private sector driven.”

He pointed out that the social and environment impact assessment (SEIA) report and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report would be conducted once the master plan was completed.

In his speech, Abang Johari assured the people here that the requests by their elected representative, Liwan Lagang, for roads, a stadium, and waterfront at Belaga Bazaar would be implemented in due time.

“I will report to Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem about your requests. I hope you will continue to support the government in the coming state election, which is due in 2016.”

Present were Liwan, chief political secretary to the Chief Minister, Abdullah Saidol, political secretary to the Chief Minister, Angeline Umis, permanent secretary of the Tourism Ministry, Datu Ik Pahon Joyik, Kapit Resident Frederick John, and Belaga District officer Abdul Halim Abdullah.