NRH upgrades rainwater system with Rotary Club support, improving clean water access for patients and staff during shortages.
The National Referral Hospital (NRH) has received a significant upgrade to its rainwater catchment system, ensuring better water quality for patients and staff. The project, which was recently completed and handed over last week, was co-funded by the Rotary Clubs of Honiara, Canberra, and Balwyn in Australia at a total cost of SBD $131,000. The Rotary Club of Honiara led the on-ground implementation of the improvements.
The initiative focused on enhancing the functionality and cleanliness of 27 rainwater tanks at the hospital, which serve as a backup to the main water supply. As part of the project, rusted galvanized iron covers were replaced with corrugated Colorbond roofing sheets and flashing. The tanks were flushed out to remove accumulated dirt, and PVC Leaf Beaters and First Flush Diverters were installed to prevent dirty rainwater from entering the tanks. Additionally, gutter repairs and timber decking restorations were carried out. Float valves were installed on tanks connected to the mains water supply, and a corroded aluminum tank was replaced with a new 3,000-liter poly tank.
NRH Chief Executive Officer Dr. George Malefoasi expressed gratitude to the Rotary Club of Honiara for the much-needed assistance. He acknowledged the importance of the improvements in ensuring reliable access to clean drinking water for patients and staff at the hospital.
“I would like to thank the Rotary Club for the timely assistance. The water tanks were in need of improvement and your help is timely. It will make sure that patients and carers living at the hospital have clean drinking water when the main water supply goes off. As we all know, water is an important part of our daily lives, and so this assistance will go a long way in serving our patients here at NRH,” said Dr. Malefoasi.
Source: MHMS
