Project Summary:

The construction of a 15kW micro-hydro power station in the isolated Mozambiquan village of Ndirire to directly provide for approximately 80 families.  The power will be used to replace dry batteries and candles, increase evening activities, improve health services (through, for example, vaccine refrigeration), and improved education facilities, as well as improving access to energy, such as providing power for grinding maize and reducing the need to travel long distances to charge batteries, as well as setting up small businesses.

Country Profile:

 (Source: UNDP Human Index Report)

Current situation:

People are currently reliant on candles and dry batteries to meet their lighting needs.  They also currently have to travel up to 20kms to charge batteries and grind maize, and even further for other basic services.  The village of Ndirire has a very poor level of community services, and the population have a very low level of income, education and health facilities.

The project plan:

The community will provide all local materials and labour as well as the overall management of the project, which will help develop a sense of ownership of the micro-hydro scheme and all its benefits.  The local capacity of the community will be developed through technical training, as well as addressing the issues which restrict poor people’s access to energy.

Project Development:

The access of a clean and sustainable form of energy will open up new opportunities in the village of Ndirire, encouraging the creation of small enterprises such as sewing, food-processing, welding and hair salons.  This will guarantee local demand for the electricity and increase families’ ability to pay for the service, and reduce people’s dependence on farming to earn an income.

The People:

“At last our dream has come true; after many years of struggling, we have achieved what seemed to be impossible”.  Quote from a mother who participated in the construction of a new micro-hydro scheme in Mozambique.