The one big feature that distinguishes Chinese engineers from others is the way they design for the construction of a new dam project. Their usual practice is to go ahead at the very instant when there is an idea in mind, no matter if it is feasible or not; and then they will endeavor to solve the problems or overcome the obstacles they face during the process, often at the expense of the property and inhabitants existing in the area. This method or practice has the advantage of being time-efficient. In the opposite fashion, other engineers would figure out all the possible problems they could face before carrying out anything. Then after finding a way to confront the problem, they decide whether to embark upon the project or not.
The difference in the practice leads to a great disparity in the organization and quality of constructions. Inevitably, this way to design for an infrastructure is implemented in the Three Gorges Project and other such plans to build hydroelectric power stations.
Consider the project at a brighter side; you will probably conceive many advantages in constructing such massive dams. The advantages like preventing flooding in the lower courses of Chang Jiang, better irrigation which leads to enhanced production of farmers; attract tourists thus increase income, and improve water transport in the way that it allows large cargo-ships as heavy as 10,000 tonnes to travel up to Chong Qing. And most importantly, to generate enough hydro-electric power to one-tenth the population in China. It provides clean and renewable energy source for industrial and economic developments.
The numerous advantages may well be the factors that ‘motivated’ the engineers to go ahead amid warnings from scientists concerning the geological frailty in the earthquake-belt areas and the impact it may have on the ecosystem– increased frequency and magnitude of earthquakes being one of the most unfavorable consequences, and which unfortunately came into reality on May 12. Of course this again inexorably leads to the development and preservation dilemma China is facing on the verge of gaining a rank and recognition in the international world. The lost of historical sites and farmlands being incurable, China is stern and determined to take up the influence of globalization and abandon its former agricultural industry. In short, agriculture and culture have been subjugated to the rapid development which promised them to gain international recognition.
Without stringent guidelines and regulations for the workers and engineers to follow, who can ensure the new-built dams are not as fragile as the frugal schools being ‘shaken down’ in the Sichuan earthquake and not succumb to the roaring and ‘destructive’ Yangtze River? Striving for excellence in the safety of the citizens, the government should be urged to provide a thorough and all-rounded plan or speculation before commencing any mega-project as massive as the Three Gorges Project, or the consequences will be unfathomable. Lastly, China should in the meantime forget about the aspiration to build prodigious constructions while being oblivious of the livelihood and safety of the people. It is paramount for them to lay a very firm foundation and guarantee to protect the interests of the people.
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