Jean Sauveur Ingabire
This program deals with the development of the entire basin.
What made you decide to study this particular program?
As my background was water engineering, with respect to my responsibilities at my job, we were lacking enough knowledge in designing properly the different hydraulic structures as far as hydro-power generation was concerned. Therefore, I decided to find out which MSc program may offer this know-how, finally HERBD met all my needs.
Can you say something about studying in Delft/the Netherlands? (Cultural and social experiences)
In my point of view Delft is a multicultural attractive city thanks to different nationalities gathered in this area, you may explore more than 40 countries having students in Delft (see UNESCO-IHE and TU-Delft), in addition to this different events related to culture (African night, Asian night etc.). In addition, social affairs being organized in Delft such as many cultural festivals being held in center during summer. This makes everybody feel like home away from home. I can't wait to mention the weather which can sometimes be troublesome, but this can be put aside as humankind gets used shortly.
What kind of professional background do you need to succeed in this program?
Civil engineering generally, mainly if you have been employed in waterworks or irrigation engineering. And if you have enough understanding of mathematics as well, you can make a job well done.
Why should new students/water professional choose this program?
This program deals with the development of the entire basin, i.e. it can be a trans-boundary issue, so if have to implement a structure on a river, which factors do u have to consider? How do you cope with the non technical parts (either upstream or downstream)? Consequences related either in short term or long term and mitigation? How do you design in an optimal way? In the basin which is the right structure and location? All of this, and many more, are being treated in HERBD, without forgetting which tool is better for a specific intervention. So most of the water professionals encounter more or less some of these dilemmas, reason why to choose HERBD.
Do you have any advice for new students?
Be committed, plan consistently, work as a team and never give up!