After more than a year, the two sides have finally inked a pact that calls for joint development of the Tamugan River as a hydro electric energy source by Hedcor and as a water supply source by DCWD.
The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed at Marco Polo Davao Hotel on Thursday afternoon and was described as “win-win” solution for both parties. DCWD finally relented to Hedcor as the latter had agreed to the formers request to not divert water from the Talomo river and to locate the hydro electric power plant at a lower elevation than the structures of the Davao City Water District (DCWD). Because of this, the power plant of Hedcor will only be able to generate 15 MW of power now instead of the proposed 27.5 MW and they will have to tap the water 400 meters below the surface water development project of DCWD.
On the early part of March, Aboitiz had already sent feelers that the project would be a “Go” as both parties agreed to work together. In the article it was said that “in the spirit of cooperation” because of the energy crisis affecting Mindanao that they agreed on joint use of the river.
The island of Mindanao is currently affected by rotating brownouts due to the El Nino phenomenon that has dried up the rivers that are the power source of the hydro electric power plants that supply energy to the island. About 60% of the island is dependent on clean hydro electric energy to power its grid.
All that is left now is to amend the Davao City Watershed Code by the City Council that will allow for development in a watershed area that the current law prohibits.
[source]
Category: Hydro, Aboitiz
