Social benefits

The linking of conservation to socio-economic activities and the involvement of local people, especially women, has had a positive impact in the surrounding communities. Capacity building programmes - such as tourism, food processing, wildlife, soil and water conservation trainings - have been initiated to increase livelihood opportunities and to promote eco-restoration. show all

The project developers strive to bring considerable investments to the basic community infrastructures such as water, roads, medical care, schools and electricity. The project has created a significant number of jobs for local people, both directly and indirectly. 4000 people were employed by the project developers during the construction and, in order to ensure smooth operation, the plant currently has 350 workers.
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Environmental benefits

Although both dams and run-of-the river structures influence the environmental set-up in the surrounding areas, run-of-the-river projects have a considerably smaller impact. Run-of-the-river projects do not require any storage of water and so there is no resultant flooding. For this reason run-of-the-river projects are becoming increasingly favoured. show all

The project developers have put a great emphasis on the protection of the catchment area and the conservation of plantations, soil and water. The company created two botanical nurseries and supported agricultural programmes in the region to spur local commerce.

Today the local communities are more focused on their environment - and have the tools to conserve it. show less