Sinohydro, China's biggest dam builder, has rejected accusations it used unsafe construction methods to build Malaysia's Bakun dam, but acknowledges its construction processes did not fully adhere to correct procedures.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have alleged that under the watch of Sinohydro, a Chinese state-owned enterprise, improper construction practices in the dam were widespread and pose concerns for its future safety.
Malaysia-China Hydro, a joint venture between Sinohydro and Malaysian firm Sime Engineering, is the biggest contractor engaged in building the dam, which will be Malaysia's largest when it is completed next year. Writing in the online Sarawak Report, environmental journalist Clare Rewcastle alleged the practice of adding excessive water to cement, regarded as unsafe by the construction industry, was endemic in the building of the dam.
The online report includes photos and a video of water being injected via a hose into cement mixers before being used in the dam. It also included a photo of a document indicating that a batch of concrete was rejected by quality controllers because too much water had been added into the cement.
'It is well-known that the Chinese contractors were under extreme pressure from the Malaysian government during the period up to 2009 to get the dam finished as quickly and cheaply as possible, after a series of delays and cost overruns,' the Sarawak Report said.
Building of the dam started in 1996 but was plagued by many delays, including changes of ownership, contractors and management.