Indonesia - Tsunami Relief

In the aftermath of the Tsunami, WISH was awarded more than SGD$1 million dollars in funding for the provision of water treatment systems in Aceh, Indonesia. The project was initially supported by the World Federation of Diamond Bourses through the Singapore Diamond Exchange. With their support, the feasibility of the project was determined. The main sponsor was the Tidal Waves Asia Fund administered by the Red Cross Society of Singapore. Other sponsors include the World Federation of Diamond Bourses and private donors.

The objective of the projects in Aceh were provide a source of clean, affordable and sustainable drinking water to the disadvantaged in Aceh. This daunting task saw the installation of more than 70 water treatment systems to date, over an area of more than 50,000 square kilometers of remote and sparsely populated terrain.

Working with local NGOs, the KKI and PKPU, WISH identified villages where the water situation was dire, and determined the best form of technology to implement in the village. After careful consultation with our partners and the villagers, an appropriate technology was selected.

Membrane based water treatment systems were installed in orphanages, mosques and schools in Aceh. WISH also installed other water infrastructure such as water towers. Besides installing the water filters, WISH also ensures sustainability of the project by training the end users on the maintenance as well as implements a monitoring system for the end users to feedback WISH and its associates.

As of June 2007, more than 50,000 people are supplied with safe drinking water from WISH systems. By the end of 2007, more than 100,000 people in Indonesia will be supplied with clean water.

Feedback from the ground has indicated that the project was a success. The people no longer have to purchase water from vendors, or travel long distances to collect water and firewood. General health also improved. The project was also featured in local newspapers in Medan.