As this project comes under Climate Change it is related to the Global Environment and the awareness raising workshops held by Mithuru Mithuro regarding the project were events where public awareness of Global Environment was promoted.
Being observant about felling and other unauthorized activities in the watershed area of the forest they monitor the power house area for any dangers or unwarranted activities as well. It is an encouraging sign that many youth and school leavers are actively involved n the welfare and maintenance committees and it is in safe hands for the future. The planting programs around the feeder streams continue and are voluntarily done to make sure that the water supply does not dry up.
Seeing the good results of the project other agencies have come forward to assist further improve their facilities. The Ayagama Pardeshiya Sabha has come forward to give Rs. 10,000/- to the Aludeniya project to cement the weir. The Samurdhi fund has given Rs.48, 000/- worth of material to secure the Educational centre in Palawatte by using wire mesh above the half wall and the Tea Small Holders Development agency has gifted chairs for the students. Residents are willing to donate land for an educational centre in the Thebugala project and are hopeful that they too could obtain a computer.
Long after the project completion the villagers drop in on the NGO office and the office of Mr Kariyawasam for tips on maintenance and discussion of improvements. There are more youth being trained from all 5 project communities along with new participants from else where on power generation and maintenances using the Aludeniya project site as a field training centre.
Planning non gef grant
Funding is being sought from the local government institutions to expand the projects to benefit more members of the community.
Significant Participation of Indigenous Peoples
N/A
Notable Community Participation
The Community was involved in donating their time and effort to build the power schemes laid pipes etc. The communities have organized themselves to manage the power house and have trained volunteers for maintenance. In the 5 different projects the communities have devised slightly different methods of surveillance and management. Youth especially are very involved in the maintenance of the power houses and their smooth running. The community was involved in planting and will continue to plant beside the water ways and the catchments areas to keep the water source for electricity uninterrupted. Understanding the value of the forest for their improved life styles they are very vugilant about not letting outsiders harm the forest.
Replication of project activities
The local authorities are very interested in the success of these projects and may engage Mr Kariyawasam in replication of such for similar villages. Mr Kariyawasam using the Aludeniya site as a training center for other participants who are hopeful that their communities will also benefit from such projects is a point where replication of similar ventures are encouraged and advocated.
Gender Focus
The secretary of the Aludeniya project is a woman and she is very active bringing the community together when the need arises. In te other projects however all trained volunteers for maintenance of the Hydro Power facility are men. Women had been very active in the voluntary contribution of work (time and effort) in the building and the planting programs; welcoming the benefits that would result especially for their children from the project.
Capacity - Building Component
The training workshops held by Mr Kariyawasam of Suduwella electricals have given confidence to the communities that they are capable of looking after their Hydro power facilty by themselves. The training on livelihood ? sewing and the Mills for pounding rice and chillies have given them the ability to generate more income.A leadeshiop has emerged around the management of the new facility.
Emphasis on Sustainable Livelihoods
Transformation from the use of non renewable fossil fuels (kerosene / petrol) to self sustaining renewable energy sources - water.
Project Results
? In the 2 new micro hydro projects provided 28 KW of electricity to the 5 villages. 31 households that had no electricity for domestic usage now have it improving their living standard (communication, other conveniences) and the safety levels especially at night. This project has the capacity to supply 34 more households with electricity.
? The communities are now the self appointed guardians of the forest understanding its value for them and very vigilant about outsiders coming into the forest. They immediately inform relevant authorities if any illegal action such as felling of trees if taking place
? The Aludeniya community had already been let down by an entrepreneur who promised electricity and had spent Rs. 45,000/- in total on loans to pay for the expected facility. The community is now very happy to have electricity at last. Their site is considered the best one for field training workshops on managing micro hydro-schemes by Mr Kariyawasam..
? The cost per household for fuel (kerosene) consumption before they had electricity for illumination and kerosene lamps was an average of Rs.595/- and Rs. 840/- in Koskulana where access is very difficult and the cost of transport to obtain the fuel has to be added. Another Rs. 200/- could be added on an average for batteries and dry cells. Therefore the Rs.1000/- that was spent in the earlier situation has come down to the cost of replacement of bulbs when required and the membership fee of the consumer society which is only Rs.100/-. Therefore 80% of expenditure is saved.
? Transformation from the use of non renewable fossil fuels (kerosene / petrol) to self sustaining renewable energy sources - water.
? All communities are now capable to hold their own functions/festivities without spending large amounts on outside help for both community/ personal needs. There is cooperation on the use of electricity at those times. Freezing and refrigerating food is an added asset at such times and sound systems can also be made available.
? 105 school going children are included in total among the project beneficiaries. Their access to information has enhanced with the mass communication access. These communities do not buy or read papers as they do not receive them to the doorstep. Where there is a computer this is further improved.
? The Model Exhibit in the NGO?s Kalawana office ?help generate wider awareness and is very helpful for education and training purposes.
? The Educational centre with computer stops children from going far out to the town for extra lessons as the teachers now come to the village. Parents are happy that this will protect their children from outside influences and corruption.
? Phone facilities are available as they can charge them and use CDMA earlier had to go 23 km to get a phone call.
