Locals give land for power plant

Locals give land for power plant

MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: Members of the Arfak tribe in the Prafi valley, Warmar district, declared their willingness to give up 35ha of their ancestors' land for the construction of a microhydro-powered plant.

The head of the local office of the electricity company, Sumarsono, told Antara that the land is located along the Prafi River, whose water will be used to generate electricity.

Prafi village chief Ananias Muit has "given the land for the project" and voiced his people's wish that work on it begins soon, Sumarsono said.

A team from the central office of the electricity company will prepare "detailed plans" next month, and the plant is expected to be completed and operating some time next year, he said. (swe)