Dear Editor,
The fallen utility poles highlight an ongoing challenge contractors face in the country — deficiency in engineering skills and or shortage of engineers in all fields (civil, electrical, mechanical, chemical, telecommunication, computer, software, etc.). The incomplete Pouderoyen pump station (Dec 23) is another example of the deficiency of engineering competency and shortage of engineers. The individual who was interviewed and who pointed out all the problems in completing the pump station does not come across as an engineer. Otherwise, he would have known how to address them. The problems are not insurmountable for an engineering company with experience in building projects next to a waterway.
Many contracts were awarded to companies that lack engineering capacity to execute them. It may not be all their fault. But they should be cognizant of their limitations. Unfortunately, several of them, like some letter writers, don’t know what they don’t know and seek or were rewarded contracts beyond their capability.
Most of our engineers migrated post independence. Those who remain behind are commended for nationalism and serving country; some can’t migrate for varied reasons. A research report published in 1989 stated that some 93% of Guyanese with a tertiary education emigrated. Almost every person who had an opportunity to migrate did so from the 1960s onwards. Almost every graduate at GuySuCo Training School in Port Mourant migrated as did those of various technical institutes and UG engineering school. They are employed at engineering companies in ABC countries. Many GuySuCo trainees are employed at NY Transit.
Guyanese who study STEM subjects overseas don’t return to serve country. There is depletion of technical skills. And that is why the country gets fallen poles, incomplete pump stations, bad roads, electrical fires, blackouts, and other problems associated with limited engineering capacity.
Charles Sohan (Dec 23) explained what investigators must look at to determine the collapse of the light poles. He is one of the most competent and experienced engineers in the country. Government should consult his expertise as well as that of other qualified civil engineers to address construction problems. I am no engineer and I know my limitations— what I don’t know unlike several other writers. I did study physics at university for two years taking the same required courses as engineers at CCNY for a biochemistry degree. Anyone who studied physics would know the depth at which a pole must be planted to prevent its swaying under tremendous force — three to one; one feet down for every three feet up, as advised by a civil engineer. Wind could not be factor in the collapse of the poles as shearing friction of a narrow width pole is non existent. If planted at the right depth, the possibility of collapse would be minimal. If the base is compromised, a pole will collapse as would happen if the energy of the pulling force is greater than that at the base holding it. A study by competent civil engineers would determine the cause. If there is no study, then there will be repeats of falling poles and incomplete projects all over the country and worse.
Guyana soil on the coast is silty clay. It holds up well. Once the right depth is established as per engineering requirement. a structure will not collapse. Civil engineers I spoke with are of the view that specifications of planting the poles were not followed. Prof Alfred Bhulai (Dec 24), a physicist, addressed all the problems identified in the Pouderoyen pump station article. As he stated, a qualified engineer would plan for all of those problems. As an aside, the river does not generate waves that threaten the work at the pump station. The government has to find ways to lure greater involvement of foreign based engineers in development projects — virtual if not in person.
Yours truly,
Vishnu Bisram