Highlanders fix electricity in the middle of flood water

(Baonghean.vn) - In the raging floodwaters, villagers in Yen Tinh commune (Tuong Duong district) still wade through streams to repair homemade generators that they call "cu electricity".

Dien cu is a small generator made by the highlanders themselves from small turbines placed along the stream bed. This is the only source of light for the mountain residents in areas not yet covered by the national grid.

People in Yen Tinh (Tuong Duong) repair the generator. Photo: Huu Vi

Yen Tinh Commune, Tuong Duong District currently has 4 villages with over 1,800 people who do not have access to grid electricity. All of these Thai villages live along streams and rely on stream water for their daily electricity needs. Hundreds of mini hydroelectric generators placed along the stream bed are a familiar sight in these villages.

During flood season, going to the stream to install and repair electricity is not simple because of the strong current. Photo: Huu Vi

Mr. Lo Van Chon, resident of Huoi Pai village (Yen Tinh), said: Floods not only damage houses and schools, but are also a nightmare for people who use electricity. "If you are busy in the fields and the flood comes, you cannot go down to the stream to retrieve your machine in time and the flood will sweep it away."

As soon as he finished speaking, the strong man jumped into the flood water. The Cha Ha stream was muddy and the flood water seemed to want to sweep everything away...

“To have electricity for lighting, we have to accept the risk,” added Lo Van Doan, a neighbor who is helping Chon repair the generator. The cost of each small generator is about 2.5 million VND. Meanwhile, after each flood, many generators need to be repaired or replaced.

Not only men, women of Huoi Pai village also go to the stream to install electricity. Photo: Huu Vi

The simple electrical system installed in the middle of the stream is also the reason why it is easily swept away by flood water. Photo: Dao Tho

Mr. Vi Van Khiem - Chairman of Yen Tinh Commune People's Committee said: Currently, 40% of the total 4,000 people in Yen Tinh do not have access to the national grid. Providing electricity to the remaining 4 villages of Yen Tinh Commune is part of the medium-term construction plan for 2017 - 2020. "The commune has also made many recommendations to speed up the provision of electricity to the people" - Mr. Khiem said.

Huu Vi - Dao Tho