Tabanan Farmers Receives Water Turbines In Aid From Japan

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - The Japanese government has given aid in the form of four units of water turbines to generate water energy as a pilot project for Jatiluwih farmers in the regency of Tabanan, Bali.

The water turbines would have multi purposes including to help in irrigation of rice fields and to provide electric illumination for the local farmers, Tabanan District Head Ni Putu Eka Wiryastuti in Banjar Tegeh, Tabanan, Bali, on Monday.

Tabanan District Head Eka Wiryastuti said he has sought a breakthrough to improve the welfare of the farmers including by seeking aid from the government, private agencies and foreign aid such as from Japan.

"Our relations with the Japanese government is good. The Japanese government has offered aid in hydro engines . The engines could help in irrigation of farms and provide electric illumination for the farmers," the district head said.

According to Regent Eka Wiryastuti the Jatiluwih farmers have been trained to operate the engines by the Japanese government.

"They have been trained in Japan. Fourteen of our farmers have been trained in Japan . The Japanese government also plans to provide six more units of turbine of hydro electric plant valued at Rp10 billion," he said.

With the turbines, the farmers in Jatiluwih could have enough electric illumination in their villages. The Japanese government also provides electric lamps for the villages.

"In addition to hydro power turbine , the Japanese government had also provided machines for organic garbage treatment to produce organic fertilizer," the regent said.

Eka Wiryastuti said the plan is to officially put into operation the turbines in Jatiluwih on Nov. 27 this year. The ceremony is expected to be attended by Japanese Prime Minister.

"President Joko Widodo is to officially commission the water turbines with the Japanese Prime Minister attending. At the same timer, the president is expected distribute 15,000 land certificates for land owners," Eka Wiryastuti said. (WDY)