Matarinao site visit

Matarinao is one of the proposed sites for a wind turbine. It is a remote coastal fishing barangay (village) in Eastern Samar. An important livelihood and source of income for the barangay is fish drying. Fish are caught in the bay, de-boned, dried and then sold to surrounding municipalities. Up to 70% of the barangay population are involved in the fishing industry.

Matarinao from the pier.

The proposed application of the wind turbine will be to power a fish dryer for use in the wet season. During the dry season the fish are dried in the sun, but during the wet season this cannot be done and the barangay struggle to sell their fish. The rainy season lasts 5-6 months a year and coincides with the windy season.

The recent visit included a pre-feasibility study and installation of an anemometer. The barangay captain is responsible for recording the anemometer data. Data of the barangays population, demographics, geography and economy was also taken.

The barangay has recently been connected to the grid, although only a few households can afford the grid connection fee and electricity prices. The introduction of street lighting has made a big impact on the social life within the barangay.

The barangay has a 7 year old 2.7kW solar water pumping system, funded by AusAid and installed by the local government. However, this has recently stopped working and requires maintenance. The barangay does not have the skills or the money to fix it. There was no tariff collection for water usage, and therefore no available money to replace the batteries or the pump. Technology breaking down and having no maintenance systems in place is a common problem with large aid agencies and government projects. SIBAT works closely with communities to wotk our ownership and tariff systems, monitor projects and carry out maintenance.

The dysfunctional 2.7kW solar water pumping system in Matarinao.