Thorough and open discussions are the most important way of approaching a controversial dam project on the Kawabe River in Kumamoto Prefecture, Gov. Yoshiko Shiotani said Tuesday.

Although the plan was first proposed by the central government in 1966, construction has been delayed due to a series of hitches, including a delay in an agreement between the state and local fishermen over compensation for the loss of fishing rights.

"I would like every (prefectural) resident to think about this dam project -- whether they are truly convinced by the central government's explanation that it serves to protect people's lives and property," Shiotani said during a news conference in Tokyo.

Shiotani, one of only three women governors, refrained from voicing her own opinion on the contentious issue, saying that to do so at this time would only lead to "unnecessary confusion."

However, since taking office in 2000, the governor has said she felt the central government has not disclosed enough information about the project.

In order to achieve greater transparency, the prefecture has sponsored seven debates involving residents, local politicians, nonprofit organizations and land ministry officials, she said.

Shiotani added that for the time being, she wants to wait for upcoming developments involving the fishing rights negotiations and other relevant issues, which are expected to conclude in mid-May, before deciding on a course of action.

While some media have criticized her for not exercising leadership and simply leaving relevant parties to argue over the project, the governor emphasized that the more controversial an issue is, the more important it is for residents to participate in debates and learn from each other's points of view.