"Due to climate change, water will be the key to our future lives. It will be very important, especially in NTB," the president emphasized at the inauguration, as virtually followed from the Presidential Secretariat channel on Thursday.
According to Jokowi, the operation of the dam infrastructure, which is included in a national strategic project, is important for the agricultural sector and drinking water for the surrounding community.
The head of state remarked that the dam is one of seven dams built by the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) in the last decade in NTB.
"In the past 10 years, the government has built seven dams in NTB," he highlighted.
Related news: Govt targets completing Tiu Suntuk Dam's construction by December 2023
The Tiu Suntuk Dam, whose physical construction cost Rp1.4 trillion (US$85 million), has a water storage capacity of 60.8 million cubic meters, the president stated.
"This dam is one of the largest dams in West Sumbawa District, with a budget of Rp1.4 trillion. That is quite a lot of money," Jokowi noted.
The head of state elaborated that the dam can be used to meet irrigation needs of an area of 1,900 hectares, to supply raw water of 680 liters per second, and to also reduce flooding around West Sumbawa.
At the end of the speech, the president officially inaugurated the operation of Tiu Suntuk Dam, which was marked by turning the sluice wheel lever and signing an inscription.
"By saying Bismillahirrohmanirrohim, this morning I inaugurated the Tiu Suntuk Dam in West Sumbawa District, West Nusa Tenggara Province, thank you," he remarked.
PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono and Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman along with several regional officials were also present to accompany the president on the agenda.
Related news: President Jokowi inaugurates five regional roads in NTB Province
Translator: Andi Firdaus, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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