The boxer who built a hydro power plant
Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
Photo: Basil Rolandsen (http://bouvetmedia.com)
Vasco Pinto is one of the most impressive and reliable men I have met during my years in East Timor.
Just back from Dili, where I had the pleasure of seeing him again, and was reminded about this photo of him from the cover of the brochure for the Gariuai Mini Hydroelectric Power Project. He was the Construction Manager for the project, impressing everyone with his dedication, skills and hard work. A good leader for his men, and not afraid of hard work shoulder to shoulder with them at the site. I have no idea how anyone can work so hard, for so long as he did in the humid and hot jungle of the construction site, and still always jump up from a trench with a big smile and a friendly greeting. Another of those inspiring people we may be lucky to meet on our way.
Vasco used to be my neighbour my first years in Dili, a friendly family man. He was an East Timor boxing champion, something which still is reflected in his strength and grace, but I never got to see him fight. At least I got to see him work, and see other great sides of his.
More information on the Gariuai Mini Hydroelectric Power Project at the HydroTimor website, where in addition to general and technical information, downloadable copies of the brochure (in .pdf format) as well as video (introductory and full versions) may be found.