Ulu Padas Water Scheme Construction Begins, To Supply 350 MLD By 2029

KOTA KINABALU, May 12 (Bernama) -- Construction of the Ulu Padas Water Supply Scheme (SBAUP) officially began today, with the first phase set to deliver a 350 million-litre-per-day (MLD) water treatment plant by the end of 2029.

Upper Padas Power Sdn Bhd (UPPSB) in a statement today said the first phase will also include over 200 kilometres of pipelines spanning from Sipitang to Kota Kinabalu to provide immediate relief and stability to the state's water grid.

The company stated that the SBAUP project is designed to meet the growing demand for treated water in Sabah's west coast corridor, including Kota Kinabalu, Beaufort, Sipitang, and Kuala Penyu.

“The scheme has an ultimate design capacity of 950 MLD and leverages a ‘bolt-on’ design with the existing Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project to optimise resources and minimise environmental impact,” read the statement.

UPPSB formally assumed control of the development grounds following a site handover ceremony from Sabah State Water Department director Chee Chun Chieh to UPPSB chairman Datuk Adzmir Abd Rahman at Lok Kawi here today.

The ceremony marks the beginning of a journey to secure Sabah's water future, designed to bridge the gap between urban and rural needs.

UPPSB is a wholly-owned subsidiary of UPP Holdings Sdn Bhd, a strategic joint venture between Gamuda Berhad, Sabah Energy Corporation Sdn Bhd and Kerjaya Kagum Hitech JV Sdn Bhd.

Tasked with delivering sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure for Sabah, UPPSB is also the developer for the Ulu Padas Hydroelectric Project (UPHEP).

Upon its completion on Dec 31, 2030, the hydroelectric project will generate an average of 1,052 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean hydropower annually, increasing the state’s dependable capacity by about 15 per cent and doubling its renewable energy mix.

-- BERNAMA