Mamuju (Antara News) - PT Vala Mustika has proposed to build a 250 megawatt hydroelectric project in the regency of Mamuju in West Sulawesi.

The power plant will utilize the water energy of the Karama river, an official of the Mamuju regional secretariat H.Yusri Muis said here on Thursday.

Yusri said the district administration fully supports the plan to build the power plant to guarantee power supply not only in Mamuju but also in West Sulawesi.

"The plan is PT Vala Mustika will build a 250-MW power plant in the first phase. The next phase will depend on requirement," he said.

Yusri said the investor will finance the project.

The power plant has a high capacity , therefore, it will need a big investment, he added.

"Currently the project is in the process of analysis of environmental impact. If all preparations have been wrapped up the investor will immediately start construction," he said.

The power plant will be able to met power requirement in West Sulawesi, he said, adding currently West Sulawesi needs a supply of only 35 MW .

Therefore, the surplus could be channeled to neighboring regions such as Central Sulawesi and South Sulawesi, he said.

He said the project will have big impact on the region`s economic development . (Editor : A abussalam)