Musi hydropower project in trouble

The giant hydropower project in Musi river in Ujan Emas subdistrict in Kepahiang regency, Bengkulu has been halted due to the lack of financing, Investor Daily reported on Friday.

Construction works of the plant, which will have a capacity of 3 x 70 MW have been inactive during the pas several days. "No more construction workers are seen in the project," said a resident.

The project which was scheduled for completion in 2004 has been in trouble due to the government's financial problem. Local residents hope that the project could be resumed as soon as possible so that they could take advantage of the water from the project for irrigation.

The project officer Try Rudianan was not available for comments.(*)