Joshua Trotman hopes to help solve Guyana’s water challenges

Joshua Trotman from Guyana values the great balance offered by the Master in Water and Sustainable Development, as it focuses on hydrology and tackles issues on sustainable development. He looks forward to sharing his knowledge to help his country develop further in the future.

I did a bachelor Engineering Geology at the University of Guyana. My passion is in the field of site investigations and assessments for land management and development purposes. I currently work for my family’s Surveying and Engineering consultancy in Guyana. The firm, Surveying and Project Management Incorporated (S&PM Inc.), is specialised in the field of land surveying from topographic, bathymetric, cadastral and aerial surveys along with engineering design. I am currently reading for my Master’s degree in Water and Sustainable Development at IHE Delft in the Water Resources and Ecosystems Health track, with an Engineering Sciences profile.

Reputation of Dutch Water Sector and IHE Delft

The Netherlands and Guyana have historical ties. We learn at school how our drainage networks and land management is shaped by these ties. There are also similarities in challenges we face being partially below sea level and the impacts this has on everyday life. I spoke with many Guyanese professionals who studied in the Netherlands and all spoke highly of the programmes. I considered other universities, but I decided to study at IHE Delft because of this connection, reputation and the offering of partial scholarships which assisted me as a self-funded student. Incidentally, my father is a civil engineer and was interested in studying at IHE Delft some time ago. He could not afford it at the time, but made it possible for me to be here.

Guyanese connection with water

Guyana is considered as the land of many waters thanks to our numerous rivers. These rivers play a key role in connecting us to our hinterland and rich natural resources. Our towns and cities being primarily along the coast and below sea level are constantly interacting with water. During my undergraduate studies, a course in hydrology gave me a greater appreciation for water as a resource and how precious it is, despite its abundance, just as the minerals I had been studying as a Geology major.

When I chose my Master’s degree at IHE Delft, I saw the inclusion of sustainability as a great opportunity. This was especially attractive to me as Guyana experiences rapid economic growth due to our oil and gas industry, sustainable development must be prioritized to avoid mistakes that other countries have made and for our long-term prosperity.

Water and sanitation challenges in Guyana

Waste water disposal practices and pollution of open drain systems are our biggest sanitation challenge. This coupled with frequent floods during the rainy seasons create public health issues. As is the case in many developing countries, pollution of waterways by mining and agricultural activities are an ongoing challenge along with ensuring access to potable water and good water quality. I am interested in groundwater monitoring as Guyana does not have a monitoring network. Increasing demand for domestic and industrial water is leading to new wells being planned and built.

This is my first time in the Netherlands, I really like the architecture and public transportation network. Staff are very welcoming at IHE Delft. Many texts and research papers I’ve used during my modules were authored by our professors. This is a unique opportunity and provides interesting insights.

I like the interdisciplinary approach and the variety of modules we’re allowed to choose from. The focus on group work given the diversity of the student population both culturally and professionally simulates real-life scenarios. This is challenging at times but helps widen my understanding and improves my teachability and soft skills.

The mixed week is a great addition. Research, Critical thinking, scientific writing, referencing and many other skills can always be refined.

Playing a key role in my country’s development

I look forward to returning home and applying knowledge and new insights to a variety of land development projects related to construction, agriculture and mining. Expanding our business in the process. I will work towards playing a key role in my country’s development through my work and also help to spread awareness about sustainable development and build capacity by sharing my knowledge. I will look for opportunities to specialise further in the areas of engineering geology and hydrogeology later in my career.

IHE Delft offers two new Master of Science programmes: the MSc in Water and Sustainable Development and the Research MSc in Water and Sustainable Development. Furthermore, IHE Delft is involved in joint MSc Programmes offered with partner institutes.