The Jambi administration, in collaboration with the National Alms Agency (Baznas), plans to develop four mini-hydropower plants in 2018.
he Jambi administration, in collaboration with the National Alms Agency (Baznas), plans to develop four mini-hydropower plants (PLTMH) in 2018.
The administration and Baznas have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the plan.
In the first phase, the four power plants will be built in four villages in Merangin and Sarolangun regencies.
Jambi Governor Zumi Zola said Tuesday the projects would use alms collected by Baznas, as well as UNDP and UN aid.
"With this pilot project, it is hoped that villages that currently have no electricity can enjoy electricity, thanks to the renewable-energy powered plants," he said.
The projects will not use the Jambi provincial budget, he said. The concept of using alms, he added, is unprecedented.
"Zakat [alms] is not only for staple food but also for other public interests. It is allowed by law and by religion," Zumi said.
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Providing electricity to the poor who don't have access to electricity is also a form of alms disbursement, he said.
Baznas commissioner Nana Mintarti said the agency would disburse Rp 4.7 billion (US$348,000) for the project.
"It is permissible" to use Baznas funds for the project, Nana said. (bbs)
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