I would like to express my deepest
thanks to the People's of Republic of China and more particularly
to the Management and Directorate of Hangzhou Regional
Centre ( HRC).
My warmest greetings to Ms Cheng Xia
lei and Mr Pan Daqing as well as to all the lecturers
and training support staffs who have provided much endeavour,
assistance to provide us with this golden opportunity
to broaden our knowledge, obtain wide exposure in the
field of small hydropower development in the world and
most particularly in China.
The world has a lot to learn from China
since despite having the world highest population, the
Chinese government has been able to promote sustainable
development for his people. The level of technological
know how in different fields like engineering, medical
is very impressive. The Country has embarked on wide complex
projects involving public road infrastructures, thus promoting
development to remote rural areas over the whole country.
I could not omit to thank my beloved
country, Mauritius which has provided me with this unique
opportunity to visit and acquire knowledge in China.
As far as the seminar is concerned,
I was much impressed by the level of professionalism shown
by all lecturers. They were so dedicated and mastered
so well their subjects that it was a real pleasure to
follow such instructive classes. The course content was
relevant to my field study i.e Mechanical Engineering
and has strengthened my knowledge on hydropower stations.
All the theory classes were beneficial since they act
as refreshment courses. I am of opinion that one should
always revert back from time to time as it refresh the
mind.
I would like to mention that the time
frame and planning of the seminar was rightly chosen since
after one week of theory classes, the study tours organised
help us to grasp better knowledge acquired in class. These
study tours need to be encouraged as they serve well their
purpose as we have been able to visualise, ask technical
questions on site and understand how China has been successful
in their rural electrification project.
However the most exciting moment of
this seminar was obviously the visit to the Three Gorges
Power Station. I would have never imagined that once in
my lifetime, I would be able to stare at one of the greatest
state of the art man-made achievement. When I think about
it , I just could not realize how lucky I am and how amazing
this achievement is. It has taken 75 years since the idea
has cropped up and the Project implementation. That is
from 1919 to 1994.
I conceived that it has been a tremendous
achievement since the whole nation was behind such big
project. I would like to quote this proverb. "Where
there is a will there is way ". The Chinese engineers,
experts are role models and Africa has much to gain from
their work culture, valuable experience.
Among others, I would like to share
the enriching experience gained through cultural aspects
of Chinese life and trend. Visit to Sword and Umbrella
Museums have revealed to me that China is attached to
his ancient civilisation. "One can not progress if
he does not know his past". Life was not easy in
ancient times. But through hardship, China has been able
to join all their efforts, forces and stand as a man taking
his destiny in his hands.
Another great joy was undoubtedly
the visit to Shennongjia mysterious land where I have
been able to view the cave of the famous Ħ°Big FootĦħ so
called Yeti. I have heard so much about this legend that
I was stunned standing right that there.
Moreover I could not conclude without
mentioning the work achieved by HRC staffs. The accommodation
at HRC was up to the standard and the food prepared was
good.
On our trips, we have been given excellent
room accommodations in International hotels and I remain
ensured that the warmth, politeness, gentleness expressed
by the Chinese people in general will leave an unforgettable
personal experience for me.
Furthermore with my fellow friends
from different African countries, I have been able to
share moment of joys, true friendship and know so different
cultures through the presentation of their country profile.
HRC has been the bridge relying African
countries and the catalyser behind rural electrification
of China. Hats off.
I will conclude by greeting once again
the management of HRC, the Chinese people and hoped that
regional cooperation between China and African countries
be strengthened further.
(From: Jean MARIE THIERRY AGATHE,
MAURITIUS.PAPER submitted during the Seminar on Rural
Electrification for Developing Countries at Hangzhou Regional
Center for Small Hydro Power,China.11 June ¨C 8 July 2010).
July 2010
