Council probes proposed 200-MW pumped-storage hydro project

The Sangguniang Bayan of Malay, Aklan is investigating the alleged illegality of the proposed operation of the 200-megawatt (MW) pumped-storage hydro project of the SMC Global Power Holdings Corp.

Malay Councilor Frolibar Bautista said the council is not objecting the project but against the apparent railroading for the legality of the project.

The SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. obtained permits both from the Department of Energy and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the Forest Land Use Agreement since 2014.

The project is to be undertaken through the Strategic Development Power Corp. of the SMC.

“Based on our initial investigation, former Malay Mayor John Yap has issued a certificate of no objection for the project sometime in 2016. This, we considered illegal because the project is supposed to pass through the council and should conduct a public hearing,” Bautista said.

Yap could not be reached for comment.

“The council is also planning to ask an explanation from the National Water Regulatory Board [NWRB] to explain to us the project,” he added.

The NWRB earlier conducted a study indicating the Nabaoy River can produce 70 million liters a day of water.

Joy Salibio of the 3Cs Farmers Association said the Strategic Development Corp. in Malay, Aklan said they are worried about the water sustainability in their farms once the project would push through.

The hydro project will be put up at Nabaoy River to supply power to the barangays of Nabaoy, Napaan and Motag.