COMMUNICATION
Bipole III Transmission Line
The Oxford Dictionary defines communication as The imparting or exchanging
of information by speaking, writing, or using some other medium. [5]. This definition has a
broad connotation in the context of communication. Relaying information is the fundamental
backbone in a properly channeled communicative system. This makes sure that every involved
stake member is well aware of his duties, responsibilities and constraints [4]. To make this
effective, it is imperative to have a properly oiled information channel to receive and express
ideas in a transparent system. The adaptability is a critical skill to be inculcated as every project
goes through a state of confusion change of plans. Properly scheduled meetings and variable
frequency (of meetings) depending on the urgency are the important factor contributing to the
success of this stage. The contradicting statements and argument are common in a creative
meeting and use of tools such as fish bone diagram and various charts & graphs forms the basis
of communication. Irrespective of technical or social issues, a properly communicated scenario
can effectively minimize the risk and maximize the productivity in any system. Bipole III
Transmission Line Project, a 500 kV HVDC Transmission Line is analyzed methodologically and
aspects of communication between the stake holders is analyzed in a more unfathomable level.
Here, in this case study, we are trying to correlate the lack of communication among the
different stake holders while proceeding with this mega project and adverse effects on the
planning & execution of the project.
As 3/4th of total generation is concentrated towards the southern region and is solely
supplied by the Bipole Lines , reliability has been an issue in the minds of the authority. The
extreme weather and frequent adverse effect of wind has always been a hectic issue for
Manitoba Hydro. The infamous black out in Winnipeg has created a steered thought in the
minds of the hydro to anticipate any such incidents in the future. In an effort to enhance the
reliability of the power system and reduce the depletion of fossil fuel [1], the hydro came up
with the idea of extended routes to the west, Bipole III Transmission Line project. Concurrently
the UNECSO has made the decision to preserve the boreal forest as a World Heritage Site. This
wide spanned 34,000 square kilometers of land extends to Ontario Manitoba Border and
unfortunately is right through the heart of the estimated project. This had a tremendous impact
on the minds of the people especially the First nations. Following to this the political parties has
joined as a stake holder and created a feeling of reservation among the people. There were a
lot of communication happening between UNESCO, hydro Manitoba and the provincial
government regarding a possible change in the location of the project. Hence in nut shell this
project has entered into a state of pandemonium with stake holders providing contradictory
statements. Inconsistent statements and arguments regarding the project came up from all
sections of stake holders. The Manitoba hydro stated that they have already spend $ 1.8 billion
for the project and almost 1500 kilometers has been chosen as the prime spot [2]. The key
opposing stake holder, the Pimachiowin Aki project has argued that they have been in process
for the nomination for Heritage site for years (well before the conception of the Bipole III
Transmission Line Project). The Manitoba Metis foundation (MMF) has apprehensions about
preserving their culture and heritage. In short there was a huge mayhem as there is
international, national, provincial and local interest in the estimated area. The First Nations
considered this as a major blow to their pride and there was an emotional outburst among the
community which caused a key uproar against the project. The lack of communication among
the stake holders is clearly visible in this stage as Manitoba Hydro was not able to bring
together the stake holder in a common podium to discuss the issue in a wider perspective.
Moreover, provincial government was not able to have a keen stand on the issue and were
totally miserable in taking the confidence of the local First nation people. The political parties
made the situation more worse by creating alternative solutions of shifting the estimated
location to the west rather than the east. In reality, the proponent of such a move is essentially
putting an additional burden of 450 kilometers [3] to the project. A critical failure in the aspect
of project management is the key failure in making proper announcement to the corresponding
stake holders regarding the actual status.
An entirely litigious ambience involving international, national, local stake holders has
created a stalemate in the project advancement and lack of communication is clearly visible in
every aspect. This pathetic has adversely affected the planning and execution. Such a
pandemonium has created a feeling of non-transparency among the stake holders and this has
in effect created lack of trust among themselves. The Manitoba Metis Foundation has spurred
emotional feeling among the local people and this has instigated a hostility towards the
authority from a peoples point of view. The adaptability of the project is being questioned by
the stake holders and Hydro Manitoba was not in a supple mood as every alternative is putting
huge burden on the project. The legitimate actions of the Hydro Manitoba were always
questioned against humanity, social and environmental protection. The Manitoba Metis
Foundation has been very adamant in their opinion and lack of initiative from Hydro Manitoba
Hydro to schedule meeting was critical failure in the aspect of project management.
Reference:
1. https://www.hydro.mb.ca/projects/bipoleIII/index.shtml
2. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/unesco-world-heritage-site-bid-
pimachiowin-aki-1.3635334
3. https://www.policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/Manitoba_P
ubs/2008/FastFacts_April18_08_Hydro.pdf
Anoop Thamarasseril anpthm@web.de Page 2/3
4. http://www.nutcache.com/blog/five-reasons-justify-importance-communication-
project-management/
5. https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/communication
Anoop Thamarasseril anpthm@web.de Page 3/3
