Spending IDR 1.6 Trillion Funds, Minister Basuki Calls South Sulawesi's Pamukkulu Dam Has Trifunction

JAKARTA - Minister of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Basuki Hadimuljono explained that the construction of the Pamukkulu Dam, which is located in the upper reaches of the Pappa River, Takalar Regency, South Sulawesi (South Sulawesi) has a fairly central role.

According to him, the Pamukkulu Dam can increase the water supply for agricultural land in this province as a national food barn.

"In South Sulawesi, there are still stretches of rice fields above 3.000 hectares which are difficult to find in other areas. We will increase our productivity with the availability of water from the dam," he said in a press release on Sunday, January 30 during an official visit to the location.

Basuki added that the strategic position of this infrastructure can also be seen from the projected use which will also be directed to hydroelectric power plants (PLTA) of 4.3 MW.

"In addition, this dam also has benefits as tourism," he said.

For information, the construction of the Pamukkulu Dam was carried out with a budget of IDR 1.6 billion through 2 work packages involving SOE and the private sector.

This facility has 19 canals consisting of primary irrigation along 16.68 km with a width varying between 1-7 meters (existing conditions).

In its construction, the Pamukkulu Dam also applies a Cash Intensive Work (PKT) pattern that empowers the surrounding community. PKT activities were carried out for rehabilitation along irrigation canals by involving as many as 25 farmers in seven villages.

Meanwhile, the construction process itself has started since November 15, 2017, with the current construction progress equivalent to 25.5 percent and is targeted to be completed by the end of 2023.