08.01.2017

An article on Helena Goldie Hospital appeared in The Island Sun News on Dec. 20, 2016, reporting that there is a new drinking water facility. Read more here: the-island-sun_20-12-2016

Helena Goldie Hospital on Munda is only a 15-minute flight from Gizo.

This link provides all the important information about Munda and the hospital: Helen Goldie Hospital

John Sasabule, Manager Helena Goldie Hospital was very pleased to have me meet with him.

He reported that the mission hardly takes care of the hospital and gives almost no money to it.

In return, the Taiwanese Fisheries Society supports the hospital with generous financial resources.

The first thing he wanted to know was everything about the drinking water project. I had all the info on it with me and was able to explain to him what was being installed on Gizo. John told me that’s exactly what we need too! We have water tanks and a spring. AND…, we can afford the device from our own funds – that totally surprised me. John explained to me that he is the accountant and project manager for the hospital. He plans wisely and far ahead, so that the financial resources are always sufficient.

The hospital was already converted to solar energy some time ago, thanks to John, so that there is no longer any dependence on the municipal energy supply. It also allows thousands of dollars to be saved and used elsewhere. The Trunz system can thus be operated with solar energy.

The outpatient clinic is being rebuilt this year, as the old building has already been badly affected by termites and is no longer safe. An architect has already drawn up the construction plan.

In the Femal Ward, a new toilet-shower wing was built thanks to the money from the Taiwanese Fisheries Society. With the stipulation that the tract be kept neat and clean at all times, the same new unit would then be built in Male Ward. That’s great motivation, John said. All are anxious to comply with the requirement.

John Sasabule is also proud of his VIP Ward. For this purpose, he has moved out the administration and set up small self-contained aapartments. Patients and relatives who come from far away can be accommodated here. That costs “of course” really big money, John said.

Finally, John proudly showed me the two ambulance boats – yes, exactly boats. To fetch/rescue patients, there is only the sea route. The same applies to transfers in Gizo Hospital.

I am honestly totally pleasantly surprised by the Helena Goldie Hospital! Never, ever would I have thought that so much would be tackled there, planned in detail (including financially) and executed.

It is worth continuing to stay in touch with John Sasabule.

19.05.2016

Unity Chruch Mission purchased a drinking water system for Helena Goldie Hospital analogous to that for Gizo Hospital. I spoke to John Sasabule on the phone this morning and he told me everyone is overjoyed to have pure drinking water soon.

The plant will also be installed and commissioned in June 2016

30.05.2016 Phone call with John Nell

John told me on the phone this morning that he had to go through some red tape before he finally got the OK for Gizo.

This inevitably delays the delivery of the TWM1 for Munda. Meanwhile, both Trunz plants for Munda and Gizo are on a cargo ship en route from Honiara to Munda and Gizo.

23.06.2016

According to John Nell, the TWM1 plant from Trunz will arrive at the same time as the one for Gizo. John Nell will install the system and then officially commission it. For the people of Munda, this will finally be the longed-for solution for pure drinking water.