Saafa grass produces cheap electricity [1]
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 - 21:15. Updated on Sunday, December 15, 2013 - 21:25.
Editor,
Recent letters dealing with concerns as to Tonga's governance raise some interesting issues.
A number of Tongan "academics" in Fiji, whose credentials suggest possible training in disciplines that give them the ability to objectively analyze economic and sociological issues are critical of Tonga's governance.
There is a second letter from a writer in Pago Pago objecting to the letter from the Dr's and advising them to make constructive suggestions instead of complaining.
Maybe Dr could explain to the doubters how their criticism of Government is misplaced. Until then, I share the "Drs' disappointment that our economy deteriorates absent sensible government policies to deal with the downturn. We could claim that our governance is much better than in Mogadishu but I am sure we can do better than that!
In Switzerland, it was impressive to see how quickly the Swiss National Bank lowered interest rates and convinced the banks to finance home construction and renovations. In no time at all, throughout Switzerland, cranes appeared, scaffolds went up, new apartment buildings started, roofs were replaced, and houses renovated. The country prospers.
Similarly Tonga enjoys a booming construction industry with the difference being that the major beneficiaries appear to be hundreds of Chinese laborers despite the fact that TDS has just showed that Tongan workers are perfectly capable of doing good work by completing their new headquarters.
I would like to point out that completion of tertiary schooling makes it easier for people to live in today's complex societies as institutes of higher learning provide individuals with tools to cope more effectively with complex issues. I am sure that Dr (David Rotorua) would much prefer to have his health problems managed by a real Dr. or travel on an aircraft designed by PhD's so his objection to the advertisement of academic credentials smacks of the, unfortunately still frequently present, South Pacific, "anti academic" syndrome.
Ordinary citizens normally have little opportunity to influence incumbent governments with "suggestions" other than show elected officials the door at election time and I have personal experience in this respect. If I am wrong, I look forward to hearing DR's personal experiences in effectively giving guidance to governments or for that matter, even a clerk in the Post Office.
Eighteen months ago I provided our Government a sound technical proposal for the production of cheap electricity using Saafa grass along lines already used in Denmark for 20 years. This power station would have annually reduced energy costs for every Tongan family by TOP1,000 and reduced foreign currency expenditures on oil by $20 million.
A year and a half has passed, there have been two renewable energy conferences attended by salaried experts enjoying six figure salaries plus Business Class air travel, and our Government still insists on pursuing pie in the sky renewable energy projects that will have absolutely no financial impact on the country's energy costs while totally ignoring the only feasible option available. Government still advertises that it will reach an unachievable goal of 50% energy from renewable sources in 3 years just as they did 6 months ago. (A moving target?).
As long as Government entertains floating wind mills producing hydrogen gas, solar panels, and the possibility of using coconut oil to fuel a generator that hasn't worked properly on diesel fuel since installation 4 years ago, the renewable energy goal is just as unrealistic as the Minister of Finance's claim that government programs will thrive, absent the basic ingredient of money.
Citizens all over the world are being ever more cynical of their governments that consistently over commit under deliver. It is unfortunate that our government gives itself undeserved high marks for less than impressive performance on a many fronts; Princess Ashika as one example. With our economy in the doldrums, critical letters such as that from the "Professors" in Fiji are fully justified.
Sincerely,
Peter Goldstern (M.Sc. Civil Engineering & Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
I await DR's missives to my titles.
goldsternp [at] tonfon [dot] to