This dam is multifunctional. It can be used for irrigation, then for raw water, as well as for power generation and flood controlJakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) on Thursday inaugurated the Way Sekampung Dam, Piringsewu Ddistrict, Lampung Province, which has a capacity of 68 million cubic meters and an inundation area of up to 800 hectares.
"This dam is multifunctional. It can be used for irrigation, then for raw water, as well as for power generation and flood control," the President said in a live broadcast on the official Youtube channel of the Presidential Secretariat from Piringsewu.
The dam, which was under construction since 2016, has been built at a cost of Rp1.78 trillion. The dam is capable of irrigating 55 thousand existing irrigation areas and 17,500 hectares of new irrigation areas, Widodo noted.
The President said the extensive irrigation capability of the dam is expected to contribute to increasing agricultural productivity.
Related news: President Widodo inaugurates Kuningan dam
In addition to agriculture, the dam is also capable of providing 2,737 liters per second of raw water, generating 5.4 megawatts of power, and controlling floods, he added.
The President said he hopes that with the dam, planting intensity would increase to three times a year from the previous two times a year, so that food production would continue to increase.
"With water management from upstream to downstream of the cascade system, Way Sekampung, the availability of water in one of the national food barns, we hope we can maintain continuity, continue to produce and increase production," he added.
The inauguration was also attended by Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, TNI Commander Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto, National Police chief Gen. Pol Listyo Sigit Prabowo, and regional heads.
Related news: Sindang Heula dam could help supply hydropower to Banten: Widodo
Translator: Indra A, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
