The Bario Highlands plane is situated 3530 feet above sea level and enjoys a wet and humid climate for most of the year. The indigenous Kelabit people of Bario are mainly wet rice paddy farmers; the water used in irrigating their paddy fields comes from small streams that run close to their longhouses.

Residents of Bario Asal longhouse depend on the Pa Merario River which originates from the Temabo Range in central Borneo to supply water for domestic purposes and agriculture.

(click on thumnail to view full picture)

Hydro-electric power plants convert the energy of flowing water into electricity. The residents of Bario Asal longhouse and adjoining Arur Layun village intend to install a micro-hydro system capable of producing a minimum of 10 kW of electricity on the Pa Merario River. The micro-hydro system will replace the current diesel generator which runs for only 3 hours each night and costs residents RM 900.00 per month.

It will provide the 47 houses (Appendix A) in Bario Asal and Arur Layun, and the village church with a constant supply of clean, renewable energy at a fraction of the cost of diesel power. Residents will finally be able to enjoy indoor lighting and some of the basic amenities most of us take for granted.

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