Pangkalpinang, Bangka Belitung (ANTARA) – State electricity company PT PLN has said it is targeting to complete the construction of a new submarine power cable system connecting Sumatra and Bangka Islands by 2021 end.
“The construction is underway, and we are striving to finish the project on time,” PLN’s Bangka Belitung regional general manager Amris Adnan said while inspecting the construction site in Pangkalpinang on Monday.
The steel structure installation at the construction site, designated as the landing point for the cables, is expected to be ready by the end of September this year, Adnan informed.
At present, one out of three sets of the sea cables needed for the project has arrived in Cilegon, Banten from its production factory in Japan and is under preparation for its placement on the seabed, he said.
“The ship prepared for the cable placement will sail for Bangka Strait at the end of August. We expect the cable installation from Tanjung Carok landing point in Banyuasin district, South Sumatra province to Tanjungkalian in Mentok, West Bangka district to start in September,” Adnan revealed.
After the completion of the first power cable set placement, the ship would sail for Furukawa, Japan to pick up the second cable set, he added.
“We have divided the submarine power cable system by three circuits, each circuit’s length is 36 kilometers,” Adnan said.
Construction of the new submarine power cable is essential for meeting Bangka Island’s power needs, he said adding, he hoped that by increasing the electric supply capability, investors and industries would be attracted to invest in the island.
“We hope this project can be completed on time despite challenges we currently face, particularly from the Sumatra Island transmission part. We hope for public support so the construction of the transmission point in Sumatra may be completed on time,” Adnan remarked.
Source: Antara News