MARAHAN MICRO – HYDROPOWER PLANT

A PROJECT FUNDED BY UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM - GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT FACILITY/ SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME (UNDP-GEF/SGP), UNDER THE TECHNICAL SUPERVISION OF THE TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT UNIT (TDU) OF YAMOG, INC.

THE PROJECT

MARAHAN MICRO – HYDROPOWER PLANT is a 20 KW run–off–the river development, situated at East Marahan, Barangay  Marahan, Marilog District, Davao City, Island of Mindanao. The project is primarily undertaken by Social Rehabilitation & Development Foundation Inc., (SRDF).

Prior to the establishment of the micro-hydropower project, the Social Rehabilitation and Development Foundation, Inc. (SRDF) since 1976 up to the present have been conducting literacy program for the indigenous people in the area.

The project provides lighting to about 120 Matigsalog tribal households, elementary school and high school buildings and street lightings and provides lighting needs and refrigeration requirements of the SRDF Training and Demonstration Center. SRDF undertakes training seminars on various activities like food processing, handicrafts making and agricultural production.

The micro hydro project is implemented in consortium with the private sector and the local government unit of Davao City.

YAMOG ASSISTANCE

·        Provides information on new and Renewable Energy Systems.

·        Conducts Feasibility Studies

·        Assists in Funds Sourcing

·        Prepares technical design and feasibility study of the system.

·        Installs the system and acts as technical partner of SRDF.

·  Gives training on maintenance and trouble shooting to community plant operators.

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION

The construction of the access road, weir intake, forebay tank, penstock and the powerhouse structures including the primary and secondary lines are completed in November 2002. It was commissioned and turned over to the local cooperative in January 2003. It is still in operations and is found to be sustainable. It is managed by the Marahan Multi Purpose Cooperative.

ENVIRONMENTAL / SOCIAL IMPACT

Aside from financial & technical viability, the value of the project lies on its use of indigenous energy resource to answer the growing demand for energy in the country. This helps lessen our dependence on imported fuel oil that pollutes our environment. As a climate change mitigation measure, the project reduces the emission of greenhouse gases (CO2) at about 78 tonnes annually.

As a climate adaptation measure, the community is involved in the watershed management and protection of about 25 hectares of watershed by planting indigenous trees and fruit trees.

The laborer who may not have any exposure on hydropower construction have now gained an on the job skills training at the site.