Monitoring and Evaluation of Hydram and Turbine project in Hoa Binh, Vietnam

On 21 March 2010, BORDA Vietnam team visited a Hydraulic Ram system (Hydram) and a Turbine Pump in Thuong Coc commune, Lac Son District, Hoa Binh Province, which is 80km from Hanoi. The first impression is the good appearance of the dam, piping system, 3 working turbines and 1 hydram.

This is one of the first BORDA projects in Vietnam, which was constructed in 2004 and operated since then. The Hydram (BIL 630x1) is operated every day to supply water for 50 households for domestic use purpose. The turbine pump (BHL 30-4) is used for irrigation for 10ha field of rice. This pump is operated several times per year when needed. These two pumps are well operated and maintained thank to a mechanical man, Mr. Thang, who can notice and fix small troubles occurred to Hydram and Turbine immediately.

Furthermore, being aware of Turbine’s efficiency, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has funded for “Turbines in Northern mountainous areas” project. Last year, MARD allocated 3 billion VND (equivalent to US$200,000) for upgrading a complete system in Thuong Coc commune, Hoa Binh province including 2 new turbines, repaired 40km-dam, upgraded 90m-water channel (form soil channel to concrete one). In addition, engine of BORDA turbine installed in 2004 was replaced. This initiative has improved the performance of the system significantly and increase number of beneficiaries.

This is very good example to show the sustainability of a project since the Irrigation Management Company, who was assigned for operation and maintenance, can collect small amount of fees from the households for the water for irrigation and domestic use, which they then use for operation and maintenance expenditures and also for labor costs.

During an interview, local authorities and people expressed their happiness. Thanks to these facilities, a huge amount of labor work required to carry water from the river to home and to rice fields was reduced, the improved irrigation by turbine help to increase the number of crops, from only one crop in the past to 2 crops per year. Moreover women have more time to take care for their children; the operator opened a side business to repair motorbikes and BORDA team can enjoy the nice field trip at the village.