Update October 2022
Unfortunately there’s still not a delay but a stop because of the S&H costs. A Zoom meeting will be held this week, clearing the FAQ about the costs and hopefully going on. The people at Buka Hospital are really in need of clean drinking water.
Trinkwasser Projekt Buka General Hospital Bougainville Papua Neuguinea
May 2022
Due to the massive delay caused by the pandemic, Hospital Management has to start the whole administrative process for the drinking water project all over again. Mrs. Trunz has asked John Nell in Australia, who has been working with the Trunz company for a long time, for support. He is currently in contact with the responsible person at Buka Hospital.
February 2022
Unfortunately still no news! The Swiss Embassy has scheduled a Zoom meeting with Ms. Trunz for 03/01/2022. I will also participate. The new ambassador wants to know when the system will be installed at Buka Hospital.
November 2021
Unfortunately, still not much has happened - why? The Trunz technician is still in Bali and cannot leave because not vaccinated against Covid. Ms. Trunz is now working on getting another technician to do it. It just can't go on like this, she says.
The situation at Buka Hospital is also not good, because many of the staff think that a vaccination against Covid is something to do with witchcraft and / or spooky ...
August 2021
The confirmation letters from the Swiss Embassy and Buka Hospital have been with Trunz since July. Due to increased Covid case numbers in Indonesia, the technician's trip to PNG is on the back burner. We hope that with the confirmation letters it is somehow possible for him to come to PNG and Buka Hospital.
June 2021
Currently I am in the process of organizing "travel papers" for the Trunz technician. More precisely, a letter of confirmation from the Swiss Embassy in Canberra and one from Buka Hospital. Otherwise, entry into PNG will be very difficult.
April 2021
The plant is on its way to Bougainville! The Trunz technician is now working to finalize his itinerary to MNG. Everything always under consideration of quarantine regulations and possible vaccinations, which for once have nothing to do with the Covid virus...
March 2021
Here we go! The drinking water system was provided with an official SDC sticker "Donation of Switzerland" and packed. one of Andrea Trunz's employees was very happy to help with packing after work was finished - thank you!
Two forwarding companies have to see on which route the plant will be shipped by truck (Munich airport), plane - Munich-Frankfurt/M, Singapore - Port Moresby - ship to Bougainville and truck to Buka Hospital. Due to the pandemic, there are constantly new regulations, bans, closures, etc. BUT - this does not prevent us from "bringing" the drinking water facility to Buka Hospital.
Update follows...
February 2021
The transport of the drinking water plant is definitely scheduled for 20.02.2021! In parallel, the Trunz technician will make his way from Bali to Singapore and then on to Port Moresby (both by plane, of course) and on to Bougainville by ship. Tomorrow morning Swiss time I will call Dr Raisin at Buka Hospital and inform him.
The Swiss ambassador in Canberra told me last week on the phone that the Trunz technician is a hero to her and that I would like to pass this on. What he takes on to help the people of Bougainville and Buka Hospital get clean drinking water.
January 2021
Good news - according to Andrea Trunz, the drinking water system will be installed at Buka Hospital at the end of February / beginning of March. The Covid-19 pandemic complicates many things, including the Trunz technician's journey. However, so far everything is in the "green" area!
I informed Dr. Haynes Raisin this is his response: "Thank you for the update. Wonderful news. Praise God. Will inform. Dr Tommy Wotsia. Cheers Haynes"
End November 2020
Yesterday I received the news that the plant for the Buka Hospital is produced so far ready. In addition, more than sufficient spare material is sent along so that the hospital is always in a position to carry out repairs itself. The company Trunz organizes together with Buka Hospital the "final transport" from Port Moresby to Bougainville. I.e. ship and truck, because the transport box with all the material is too big for the small plane from Port Moresby to Bougainville.
October 2020
The global Covid19 pandemic delayed our project by months. now there is a silver lining: this morning I spoke with Air Niugini (Air New Guinea in German) on the phone. Flights between Singapore and Port Moresby and from there to Bougainville are currently available again! Mrs. Trunz must now contact the lady from the Airniugini freight office and make the clarifications.
With the possibility of flights from Singapore, the technician can also get from Bali to Bougainville via Singapore.
The Swiss Ambassador will receive a status report shortly.
June 2020
I am still waiting for another mail from Dr. Haynes Raisin in which he gives me the names of the hospital managers and send this to the embassy in Canberra. For the Embassy, it is important to have precise contact persons to ensure that after the installation of the Trunz system, someone is always responsible for Care & Maintenance. With this, nothing will stand in the way of the implementation of the project!
February 2020
Finally, we are one step further in the project. On Wednesday, 19.2.2020 I phoned the Swiss Embassy in Canberra. I had deliberately waited so long because the bushfires in Australia were umpteen times worse than before and Canberra was also on the verge of evacuation. So a request for financial support for my drinking water project is completely out of place.
My telephone call was successful and with the PowerPoint presentation about the Buka Hospital I could convince. Even the quite high costs this time did not deter - I received as an answer in writing: "Thank you for the constant commitment.we will look at this project with great interest." So - now it really starts!
AND - for the people working at Buka Hospital and all patients and relatives there is a light at the end of the tunnel - clean drinking water in sight.
November 2019
These looks say it all - we need help urgently!
We haven't gotten very far with the project yet because I don't have the cost breakdown from the Trunz company. The reason for this is that transporting a drinking water plant to Bougainville is very costly. From Port Moresby, only small planes fly to the island - how is all the material supposed to get there? This time everything is not as simple as the projects on the Solomon Islands.
But I received some photos of the Buka Hospital from Dr. Philipp Stillhard (Kantonsspital Chur)- first impressions
August 2019
Planning for the project is underway. However, some hurdles have to be overcome. The hospital is run by the Inel government and everyone wants to have a say and make their mark. Why? Bougainville wants to become independent. The fact that the civil war took place only a few years ago weighs heavily...
This includes, among other things, that the water must be tested on site. This is the only way the Trunz company can tell me what kind of system is even a possibility.
Fortunately, Prof. Niklaus (Nik) Friedrich from the Unispital Basel is currently there! He, along with Des Soares, trains physicians as orthopedic and trauma surgeons under PIOA . He will see to it that a water test is done on site. Anything else, like sending one of John Nell's business agents there, is way too expensive. A flight from Port Moresby to Bougainville costs around 1000 AUD (Australian Dollar). Who pays for it? Neither Trunz nor anyone else. So we had to find another solution.
Philipp Stillhardt from the Cantonal Hospital in Chur was on assignment there in June/July. From him I get a few photos, so that everyone can get an impression, a picture of the hospital.
June 2019
Now the time has come - the preliminary work for the drinking water project for Buka General Hospital has begun!
It is about the hospital getting a solid drinking water supply. Why do I care? Because hospital management is not able to provide a clean drinking water supply to patients, relatives and employees.
ALL need clean drinking water! Once more the "global water politics" comes to my mind, read here in Wikepedia Water politics
Thanks to the detailed information provided by Dr. Haynes Raisin, I was able to create the draft project plan and a PowerPoint presentation.
Where is Bougaineville then, many surely ask themselves.
Bougainville is the border between PNG and Solomon Islands. From 1988-1998, the island was ravaged by a fierce civil war in which many people died. Toursites were not allowed on the island at that time. When I was in the Solomon Islands in 2000, there was no way for me to get to Bougainville. Firstly, because of a transport possibility and secondly, because it was still far too dangerous. At that time there was also a "civil war" between Guadacanal and Malaita, but not as bad as on Bougainville. Even today, Buka Hospital is guarded by Guardians!
Read more in Wikipedia
Update Kilu'ufi Hospital
This week I've got really disturbing news from Kilu'ufi Hospital. A Japanese architect who's actually there send me two comments on this Blog (thankfully he'd found my Blog):
Hi. I am now at Kilu’ufi Hospital. We are starting a project to build some new buildings for the hospital. I regret to inform that this wonderful water system is not working anymore. The electricity and the water pipes were cut some time ago. I regret to report that the solar power is now disconnected. The solar panel seems to be in good shape. Is there any advice to utilize the solar power?
I've informed immedeately Des Soares by email and phone about these bad news. He was as suprised as I, because neither of us has got any word of Dr. Micky Olangi.
Now I'll get really busy getting everybody involved, who could give a helping hand, getting everything back into operation. Of course I've already contacted the architect by e-mail today.
November 2017
Finally - I am on the Solomons and my first visit takes me to Kilu'ufi Hospital.
Dr.Micky Olangi greated me at the Airport and we went straight to the Hospital. Micky introduced me to Nixon the Head Infection Control. At Nixon's Office I've handed over all the items for making soap out of used soap bars as I've promised to bring along.
With the Trunz TWM1 Kilu'ufi pharmacist is now able preparing oral appplicated solutions. Have a look at the photos.
More details when I'll be back home.
A Solar Power Center for Kilu'ufi Hospital Update
10.02.2019
We were all convinced that the Solar Power Center was up and running - however, a cable was missing and without it the Solar Power Center could not be started up. The Trunz company sent the cable by DHL to Honiara, where it was picked up personally by Dr. Olangi and handed over to the local technician. In the meantime, the cable is mounted and the system runs perfectly - FINALLY!
08.10.2018
Now it's really done! The Solar Power Center is installed and provides continuous power to both the TWM and the pharmacy.
26.09.2018
Now finally I can write that the Solar Power Center is installed!
I had received word from Dr. Olangi over the weekend that the local Trunz technician will begin installation on 9/25/18.
Why there have been all these delays is being clarified by the company Trunz Watersystems AG and the Australian business partner John Nell.
20.08.2018
We all rejoiced too soon - the Solar Power Center is still in Honiara!
After the director of Kilu'ufi Hospital, Dr. Henry Kako, received a call and an email, things started moving again.
Dr. Kako sent us an email on 8/17/18 saying that on 8/28/18 the solar unit will finally be on its way to Auki.
Let's hope so.....
01.08.2018
DONE! the Solar Power Center has been approved by the Medical Store Dept. released. Dr. Alex Bradley Munamuba from NRH (the largest hospital in the Solomon Islands, located in the capital Honiara) has contributed significantly to this. Since there kept being more delays, I contacted Dr. Des Soares and asked for his help. Alex is a former residency student from Des and within 2 days everything was done.
I thanked Alex by mail for his great support and informed the Swiss Embassy about the progress.
This resulted in a personal mail from the Swiss ambassador to Alex, who in turn replied deeply touched and certainly surprised. Such a thank you email is just something special!
The local technician was contacted by me by phone and then by e-mail. informed by mail, so that he can plan the flight to Auki and prepare everything for the construction at Kilu'ufi Hospital.
14.06.2018
Unfortunately, the Solar Power Center has still not arrived at KIlu'ufi Hospital. For some unknown reason, the entire cargo is being held at the Medical Store Department in Honiara." In the meantime, Dr. Olangi has contacted the relevant officials and stressed the importance of the Solar Power Center "being released.
"To be continued"...
01.05.2018
Actually, the Solar Power Center should already be under construction - but unfortunately the arrival from the cargo ship in Honiara has been delayed.
Thus, the ship will not arrive in the port of Honiara until 08.05.2018. Moffat, the local Trunz technician, has already been informed and is taking care of a smooth process so that everything gets to Auki and Kilu'ufi Hospital quickly.
09.04.2018
The Solar Power Center is on the way! According to Mrs. Trunz, the big delivery for Kilu'ufi Hospital should arrive there on 03.05.2018.
I have informed Dr. Olangi by phone and there is great joy that soon there will be enough power for the TWM.
This ensures a continuous supply of drinking water.
Of course I also informed the Swiss Embassy in Canberra, after all the Solar Power Center is a generous donor of the Swiss Ambassador Mrs. Chatila Zwahlen.
11.03.2018
Time flies and in the meantime, with some delay, the Solar Power Center is on its way to Kilu'ufi Hospital. The Swiss Trunz technician no longer has to fly to the Solomon Islands to do this. He has trained the local technician so well that he will set up the plant and put it into operation. That's exactly how it should be - knowledge passed on well so that locals do the work.
Dr. Olangi will send photos once the facility is set up. So everyone can get an impression about it
Thanks to the generosity of Ambassador Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen, Kilu'ufi Hospital will soon receive a Solar Power Center. This ensures the uninterrupted operation of the drinking water plant and thus pure drinking water.
The Solar Power Center is analogous to the one at Gizo Hospital.
In the meantime, the Trunz company has started to produce the solar panels. At the end of January, the Swiss Trunz technician, together with the local "Solomons" technician, will install the system at Kilu'ufi Hospital.
Dinner at the Swiss Embassy
The Swiss Ambassadors HE Mrs. Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen and HE Mr. Pedro Zwahlen had invited me to dinner at the Embassy Residence in Canberra. They wanted to know more about me and the drinking water project. After all, the embassy had donated the Trunz facility for the Kilu'ufi Hospital.
Other guests were Councellor Helen Beck from the Solomon Islands and Dr. Des Soares, who together with Dr. Oberli trains doctors in the Solomon Islands and the South Pacific.
Helen Beck and I described the situation in the Solomon Islands together, so it was not a one-sided report from me.
I attached great importance to the Ambassador couple's awareness that Kilu'ufi Hospital urgently needs a Solar Power Center. Why? The Hospital Director refuses to repair the two defective generators!!! He thinks it doesn't need the generators. BUT, if the power goes out, the trunz system goes out too!!!
So now I really hope that the Swiss Embassy will donate the urgently needed Solar Power Center.
Meeting with the UNDP team in Honiara
Today the meeting with the UNDP team " United Nations Development Assistance Program" took place.
The team was very interested in my report about Kilu'ufi Hospital and the current situation there. Together with the PowerPoint presentation and photos I sent in advance, it was realized: The hospital urgently needs support.
Next, I described the situation at NRH to the General Hospital in Honiara. They are in urgent need of clean drinking water, as once again a warning has been published about diarrheal diseases. In addition, there has been talk for years that a new hospital should be built. That will take at least another 10 years. You can't wait that long....
My instructions for making soap from used bars of soap initially caused great astonishment, then great interest. Once again I could show that improvisation is worth more than anything else....
What surprised me a lot was my fictitious business plan that I had written in 2007 as part of my EMBA studies. It is about the fight against malaria with a real product from the USA.
Luckily I had the USB stick with the PDF's with me. The team was surprised that there is something that has already proven itself.
You want to contact the company in USA.
On 22/23/11/2017, the UNDP International Conference will be held in Honiara, with Ronny Graul, the Swiss Trunz technician, attending.
I will get an update from him.
Gizo Hospital
My visit to Gizo Hospital brought many positive surprises.
Thus, a Trunz Brakish Water plant and a Solar Power Center were set up by UNDP. This will supply the entire hospital with water and and electricity.
In addition, the incineration plant was put into operation. Chris Leve had already told me about this last year.
Preparations visit Solomon Islands
Like last year, my preparations for the visit to the Solomon Islands are in full swing.
I will visit Kilu'ufi Hospital, Gizo Hospital and Helene Goldie Hospital. My main concern is to be able to perceive the sustainability of the drinking water project on site. Is everything really as it should be?
What is certain is that at Kilu'ufi Hospital I am to train the staff in making soap from used soap. Dr. Olangi read my blog and urged. Because skin disinfectants are just hardly available.
At Gizo Hospital, I meet Chris Leve, Head Infection Contol, who has just completed advanced training in Japan. Since last year in the fire from the old hospital all the utensils for soap making burned, I have to see if new material has been purchased in the meantime.
At the Helena Goldie Hospital I meet the Swiss doctor couple Ruckstuhl. The two have been on site since August.
In Honiara I meet Gloria Suluia from UNDP (UN Development Program). It is keenly interested in the project, especially since UNDP has purchased brackish water treatment plants from Trunz.
Back in Australia, there will be a dinner at the Swiss Embassy in Canberra on 08.11.17 so that Ambassador Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen and I can finally meet in person. For this, I am preparing a presentation in advance about the situation in the Solomon Islands, because so far she has not been there.
During my stay in the Solomon Islands, this blog will be updated almost daily - provided I have internet access....
Drinking water project at Kilu'ufi Hospital on Malaita
25.07.2017
Last week I received an email with a Letter of Appreciation from Kilu'ufi Hospital.
In it, Dr. Olangi writes that just one week after the successful commissioning of the Trunz TWM1 facility, there was a massive decrease in diarrheal disease and, of course, there IS still!
Certainly, the intensive training and know-how transfer of the Swiss Trunz technician contributes significantly to this. With his winning and competent manner, it is easy for him to impart knowledge.
Read there to the Letter of Appreciation -.>Letter Kilu'ufi hospital Auki
Yes, and then I received an e-mail from Dr. Wulf Killmann, who is that? Dr. Killmann is program director of EU-GIZ Adapting to Climate Change and Sustainable Energy (ACSE).
Read all about Dr. Killmann and his work in the South Pacific here.
Dr. Kilmann and I have decided to make every effort to meet in Australia in November to discuss my drinking water project - maybe, just maybe, something big will come of it....
08.05.2017
It's done! The drinking water system was installed and commissioned by the Swiss Trunz technician. The joy at Kilu'ufi Hospital is immeasurable. Of course, the gratitude to the Swiss Embassy in Caberra, because without the generous donation, the project at Kilu'ufi Hospital would never have come to fruition.
Here are a few sentences from Dr. Olangi's email:
"Ronny (Trunz Switzerland) is here and has successfully installed the unit in one day. I am so pleased about the whole process. Moffat the local technician is so pleased to work with Ronny on the project and is more than willing to participate in any future program that is needed for the sustainability of such project in the Solomon Islands. Ronny is doing a teaching session with Moffat and the hospital plumber tomorrow. Great achievement so far."
So now on to the next drinking water project on another island of the Solomon Islands.
0.04.2017
The Trunz system and all accessories have arrived at Kilu'ufi Hospital! Thanks to Barry Bedford - who was named by DAISI as the contact for the logistics company Bollinger and of course Greg Jilini at the Minstry of Health, everything went smoothly.
The Swiss Trunz technician will arrive in Homiara on 7.5.2017 and will then carry out the installation at Kilu'ufi Hospital. Then, as planned, he will fly with the technician from Malaita to Gizo and Munda.
16.04.2017 - Things are moving forward!
Thanks to Dr. Micky Olangi from Kilu'ufi Hospsital , Dr. Gregory Jilini at the Minstry of Health and especially the logistics company "Bollinger Shipping Agency" in New South Wales (Australia), all the material for the drinking water plant at Kilu'ufi Hospital could be transported to Auki, the capital of Malaita, during the last two weeks.
A Swiss Trunz technician is flying to the Solomon Islands - to Malaita - in one week to install the equipment in Kilu'ufi Hospital.
Of course, NEW part of his job is to train the local technician mentioned by Dr. Micky Olangi and take him to the other islands where Trunz systems are already installed.
In addition, the local technician is to translate the most important contents from the manual for the TWM1 into Pidgin English . His role will be to supervise staff at Kilu'ufi Hospsital, Gizo Hospital, Helena Goldie Hospital and Honiara. In return, Trunz gives him a mobile phone with a phone number from Solomon Telecom. Of course, the technician receives a monthly salary from Trunz Switzerland, adjusted to the local income!
The Swiss Trunz technician received a camera from me so he can take photos and video for this blog and media I have already contacted.
More news to follow in May 2017
12.03.2017 - News about the project
On Friday 10.03.2017 there was a long meeting in the company Trunz.
At the end of March, a technician from Trunz flies to the Solomon Islands to sort everything out on site - you read correctly, this time it's not John Nell. We discussed all the details involved and I was able to pass on a lot of my know-how.
We agreed that I would organize a meeting for the technician with Des Soares in Brisbane, and in Honiara with Gregory Jilini. In addition, I see to it that the technician can make an appearance at the Japanese Embassy in Honiara. He can explain a lot about the drinking water system from Gzo Hospital.
All the material needed for the Kilu'ufi Hospital will this time be transported directly from Switzerland to the Solomon Islands. Also stainless steel lavabo and faucets.
The technician from Kilu'ufi Hospital should accompany the technician from Trunz to the other island to see the facilities there and the staff from the two hospitals on Gizo and Munda.
More news and photos coming soon
30.01.2017 - and already there is more news
On 20.01.2017, the Swiss Embassy in Canberra received the first status report on the project. Ms. Trunz and I wrote the report together, so that both the business and the project side had their say.
It is particularly gratifying that with Dr. Micky Olangi THE key person for the project is active at Kilu'ufi Hospital. I had a few phone calls with Micky and after a few days I received an email from him assuring me of his full support for the implementation of the project at Kilu'ufi Hospital. He has already received documents from Mrs. Trunz in order to find out in advance the most important clarifications regarding the water reservoir and the location for the plant.
What particularly honors me personally is a sentence from Ms. Hayoz, who finished her internship at the Swiss Embassy in Canberra:
Thank you so much for everything, your work in the Solomon Islands is truly remarkable!
That gives me the momentum for the project.
15.01.2017 - News about the project
In November 2016, the time had come - I signed an agreement for the drinking water project together with the Swiss Embassy in Canberra. Among other things, the agreement states that the project is to be implemented according to my project plan and milestones. The company Trunz Water Systems AG will now receive the first tranche of the agreed amount for the purchase and installation of the drinking water system in January 2017.
Since someone on the Solomon Islands should be responsible for the drinking water systems, Mrs. Trunz and I thought that it would make sense to look for a local engineer or technician. This proved to be very difficult over the last 2 months. The first considerations to look for an engineer in Switzerland or Australia were discarded. There is a need for residence permits, work permits and many more. In addition, the person should also be able to communicate in the local language, Pidgin.
On 01/13/2017, I spoke on the phone with Dr. Micky Olangi, surgeon at Kilu'ufi Hospital. He told me that everyone is infinitely grateful that clean drinking water will soon be available. They need the facility so badly. I asked Micky if he might know an engineer or good technician who would take care of the drinking water systems on Gizo, Munda and soon at Kilu'ufi Hospital. Employed and trained by Trunz Water Systems AG. His answer: You're asking exactly the right person! I know someone who is truly and honestly qualified for the job. After receiving a confirmation email from Micky, I immediately called Ms. Trunz.
She will now discuss everything else with Micky and the engineer. In March 2017, an engineer from Trunz Water Systems AG/Switzerland will be in the Solomon Islands. The plan is - if everything goes as we imagine - that he will train the local engineer intensively in maintenance (e.g.: performing water tests, analyzing, keeping contact with Trunz, etc.).
The local engineer could then - this is my goal - train other electricians or engineers and thus build up a small network on the Solomon Islands.
What is special about this project
The Swiss Embassy in Canberra is funding this project! Ambassador Yasmine Chatila Zwahlen is the first ever Swiss Ambassador who is also the Ambassador for the South Pacific.
In September 2016, with the help of Dr. Des Soares, another hospital in the Solomon Islands was named as being in dire need of a drinking water system from Trunz Water Systems - Kilu'ufi Hospital on Malaita.
The hospital
Kilu'ufi Hospital on Malaita is located outside the capital Auki red circle on the map. With 150 beds, the hospital is the third largest hospital in the Solomon Islands and 30 minutes by plane, or about 3 hours by boat from Honiara.
People do not queue here for shopping, but for treatment in the outpatient clinic.
Read the details about the project in the section: "About the aid project".
For more information about Kilu'ufi Hospital, visit www.hermannoberli.ch and www.daisi.com.au.
Kilu'ufi Hospital Trunz drinking water facility photo gallery
Thanks to the Swiss Trunz technician, photos of Kilu'ufi Hospital are now available.
The photos show the hospital area, the waiting area of the outpatients, and of course the Trunz drinking water plant donated by the Swiss embassy with people who can hardly believe their luck to get pure drinking water from the tap.
On behalf of all these people, I thank the Swiss Ambassador and the Embassy staff in Australia!