Nippon Koei to build $220m hydro electricity power plant in S. Sulawesi

A consortium of Japanese Nippon Koei Co. Ltd. and its local partner PT Singgar Mulia will build a US$220-million (Rp 1.8 trillion) hydro electricity plant at Malea, Tana Toraja regency in South Sulawesi, Kompas newspaper reported in its Saturday edition.

Tana Toraja is a top tourist destination in South Sulawesi.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by South Sulawesi Governor Amin Syam, Nippon Koei president Tadaji Wakabayashi and PT Singgar Mulia director Robby on Friday in Makassar, the provincial capital.

The construction of 191-megawatt power plant will begin this year. The plant would be a relief for the people of Tana Toraja, where the electricity supply is in shortage at the moment.

Tadaji also mentioned that if the electricity supply is improved, it will make Toraja an attractive tourist spot with all facilities. And, the new plant will also employ local people, which will give double economic benefit.

Meanwhile, Governor Amin said, in fact, South Sulawesi needed additional supply of electricity. Because the power demand is higher than the supply.

?If there is no additional supply of electricity until 2006, the province will face an electricity crisis,? Amin said. (*)