Rural Development: Solar-powered system for sufficient drinking water

Regarding the rural development, in 2019-2020 fiscal year, the Department of Rural Development dug wells for rural people to have sufficient drinking water.

In 2022-2023 fiscal year, 10.53 kilowatt solar system was installed to drive the water well with a solar system at low cost in Phoway village, Magway Township.

Staff Officer,Dept. of Rural Development (Magway),Ei Thinzar Phoo said "In this village, the Department of Rural Development took over the responsibility of installing a solar system with 21.08 million Kyats from the regional government budget in 2022-2023 fiscal year. Before, the water well was driven by an engine – then, locals had to pay 1,800 kyats for a unit of water. After the solar system was installed, there was no more fuel cost. So the villagers have to pay only 400 kyats per unit. The water pipeline to and from the village is operated by a self-help system. The revenue collected from water charges can be used for other development projects needed in the village."

Villager,Phoway Village,Than Soe said"Before, there were no wells and we had to carry water from the stream. In the summer, we had to wait for about an hour to get a barrel of water. Now, we’ve got a well and solar-powered system to drive the water well. So, we can save cost and time."

With the aims of narrowing the gaps between rural and urban areas, the Magway Township Department of Rural Development is implementing development works in the region. The Department of Rural Development implemented 49 projects in 2020-2021, 32 projects in 2021-2022, and 50 projects in 2022-2023, it’s reported.