“Development of the Manikin Dam is not merely an infrastructure project but a long-term investment expected to enhance the living standards of the people in NTT,” he stated during a visit to the construction site on Wednesday.
In a press release from his secretariat in Kupang, Gibran reinforced his point by highlighting the importance of water management infrastructure, particularly in drought-prone regions, to ensure adequate irrigation systems for farmers.
Bearing this in mind, the vice president expressed hope that construction of the Manikin Dam would soon be completed, enabling it to immediately contribute to increasing agricultural output and stimulating sustainable economic growth in the region.
To achieve this, he called for stronger collaboration between central and regional governments and the public to oversee the project and ensure it meets its intended goals.
The Manikin Dam is one of seven infrastructure projects being developed to boost the agriculture sector in NTT Province.
With an investment of Rp2.06 trillion (approximately US$124.6 million), the dam construction project began in 2018 and is projected to conclude by 2028. To date, physical construction is 62.65 percent complete.
This dam is designed to hold 28.20 million cubic meters of water and potentially irrigate 652 hectares of land. The infrastructure is also envisioned to supply 700 liters of raw water per second to residents across Kupang City and Kupang District.
Additionally, the dam will support a floating solar power plant with a capacity of 29.8 megawatts and a 0.125-megawatt micro-hydropower plant.
Related news: Govt plans dams on Timor Island for flood control: NTT
Related news: Mbay Dam construction to support national food sovereignty: President
Translator: Korenlis K, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
