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Entura bids farewell to SARIC delegation after a successful dam safety training program

22 September, 2025

The Entura clean energy and water institute (ECEWI) is celebrating the success of its latest dam safety training program for an international delegation. Over the last two busy weeks, 23 engineers with roles in water and hydropower organisations from the government and private sector in Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India have taken part in Entura’s tailored dam safety course.

This latest training course was supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) as part of the South Asia Regional Infrastructure Connectivity (SARIC) initiative implemented by the World Bank, IFC and Palladium.

The group travelled to Hobart, Tasmania for the program, which combined classroom learning with on-site visits to major hydropower facilities, including the Repulse, Craigbourne, Cethana, and Gordon dams, the Ridgeway Reservoir, and the Cethana and Gordon power stations.

In addition to the technical learning, networking and establishing mutually beneficial cross-country relationships is a key focus of the SARIC initiative. This is a much-anticipated highlight for the delegates, and we certainly didn’t disappoint. ECEWI held an introductory networking event, a cruise in Hobart’s harbour and several other events enabling participants to form valuable international relationships.

Over the course of two weeks, our delegates were taught industry-leading dam safety principles and practices from some of Entura’s most experienced dam specialists.

“We’ve once again delivered impactful learning experiences that support capability building across regions through Entura’s dedicated training arm,” said ECEWI Program Coordinator, Leesa deGroot.

 “Participants not only gained invaluable skills to support capability building within their organisations and regions but also had the opportunity to connect with key dam asset owners in Tasmania and build lasting international networks. A huge thank you to all involved — from our expert facilitators to the enthusiastic participants who made this program such a success.”

Reflecting on just one of the days, Mr Muhammad Zain, Assistant Executive Engineer at the Water and Power Development Authority, said: “Today’s session was very insightful and well-organised. The morning module on surveillance, monitoring, and inspection provided clear guidance on instrumentation, inspection, planning and reporting. The practical exercise was a great way to reinforce learning. The afternoon session on the geological context of South Asia was engaging and highly relevant, offering valuable perspectives on regional geology, seismicity and dam safety challenges. Overall, it was a very productive and well-balanced day of training. Thank you.”

Another participant, Mr Nidup Dorji, Chief Engineer at Khorlochhu Hydro Power Ltd, said: “The sessions were excellent and technically very informative. I only wished there had been more time. But it was truly enriching to discover that there are different ways of doing things beyond what we are used to.”

Reflecting on this latest dam safety training program, Dr Amanda Ashworth, Entura’s Managing Director, commented, “It’s such a pleasure to host another SARIC training program with an inspirational group of engineers and executives who have a real dedication to their disciplines, organisations and their countries. They come with a passion and a high level of engagement that brings mutual learning for everyone involved, including our trainers. It is these opportunities for people-to-people connections in the South Asia region, and between those countries and Australia, that provide a foundation for ongoing knowledge sharing and collaboration.”

Entura has delivered training through ECEWI for over ten years. During that time, it has delivered around 180 training programs to power and water clients in Australia and internationally. This includes dam safety training for the Malaysian National Committee on Large Dams (MYCOLD), dam safety training for local Tasmanian utilities, and close relationships with Bangkok’s Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and Kuala Lumpur’s Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), among others.

Find out more about Entura’s customised training offerings here. Learn more about the SARIC program through their website and LinkedIn. SARIC is funded by the Australian Government and is implemented by the World Bank, IFC, Palladium and ASI. Training and networking services under SARIC are managed by Palladium.