Solar cell system construction and Maharaja station improvement project
Phase #3

                 During September 7-19, 2005, WFCC members with volunteers and Thungyai’s rangers continued the Solar Cell System Installation at Maharaja as the 3^rd stage. Result from the mission, the underground electricity main supply for all the 12 buildings of Maharaja Wildlife Protection Station was completely installed, replacing the electricity main hung on poles which was harmful; both to passenger and to the system or equipment itself due to its shot and get burn.

                 As usual, to transport during rainy season leaded several terrible difficulties. The tracks were eroded and ruts became deeper with stones broken off. The most terrible way of the trip was at Sarmdan Hill, since it was the long narrow steep track uphill which we need to drive carefully in every moment.

                 September 7, 2005, after several equipment was reloaded onto its worksite, immediately, Mr. Keng and Mr. Dome, the volunteers, started the work of digging where the underground electricity lines planned to install. To dig the ground for installation is not as hard as such to relocate the wires, and, especially not as to dismantle the old poles. The old electricity main was replaced by copper wire, protected in conduit and place underground. According to the design, all poles have to demolish except the two ones stand at the two approaches of the bridge crossing Songsong stream. These were intentionally to support electricity main across the stream, supply to rangers’ lodging area.

                 As Maharaja Wildlife Protection Station was previously the head office of Thungyai Naresuan which has 12 buildings included, the work quantity depends on how many buildings it contains, also bases on the distance between each of them. During the 4 days mission, all staffs need to relocate a heap of material and equipment up-down hill between each building for several times, even among everyday rainfall. The continuous rain changed soil to be slippery clay that caused our staff tumbled; especially Mr. Dome, a new volunteer who joined for the first time, fell backward on the clay several times.

                 Fortunately, Mr. Laem and Mr. Tihlu, volunteers from Jakae village came to join the mission, and helped the great burden of the last day much relieved. After work completed, WFCC members and its volunteer took the way back, following by the volunteers from Jakae who wanted to visit their relatives at Klitee Village. At that time, the level of Songtai stream increased, following the continuously rain for several past days. It was fortunate again when a large reptile, Red-headed Monitor (Varanus dumerilii ), found crossing the track during our way back. It was the new record to be met in this area of western forest. We kept record and took a photo for reference, and wait until it crossed pass the way.

                 After we took a ranger to his home at Jong-uar village, we continued the distance to stay overnight at Vachiralongkorn Dam Protection Station before left back to WFCC office in the next morning.

Surin / reported
Translated by Nutthinee Jerachasilp

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