[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1611622956212{margin-bottom: 27px !important;}”]Two female engineering students from PNG University of Technology have successfully completed and submitted a feasibility design study for Mini Hydro Power Project for Medahe Rural, Lufa, Eastern Highlands Province.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1611622949972{margin-bottom: 30px !important;}”]The two final year Mechanical Engineering students, Ms. Oksana Mirino and Ms. Myra Kakarere, with their supervisor, Dr. Aezeden Mohamed, recently submitted their feasibility design to former Governor of Eastern Highlands Province, Mr. Peti Lafanama who will use to source funding for the hydro. The two female students’ feasibility study – the first for female students in the Mechanical Engineering Department – was part of their final year project.

The university’s outreach program saw them ventured out into the remote community. The study provided information on the Lipa River system’s hydrological parameters, its geotechnical profile, including other technical tasks as shown in picture. The electricity generated from the mini hydro scheme will also be used to power the Lufa Mushroom Project and surrounding Mahehe communities. The community now can approach both the Provincial and National Governments, Non Government Organizations or donor agencies, or various organizations to assist bring power into their remote communities.

The two female students said in their report that the project was very technical and broad, which has enabled them to work with and learn more about other disciplines such as Civil and Electrical Engineering, Architecture, Surveying and Geography Information System (GIS), and Economics.

They said in doing this project, they have developed a growth mindset to face challenges head on and overcome them. That is one crucial key takeaway from this project.

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