TÜV SÜD donates walter filtration system to Indonesian villagers

Northern Sumatra, Indonesia- TÜV SÜD recently donated water filtration systems to 10 villages in Aceh Tamiang and Medan, Northern Sumatra as part of “The Clean Water Project”, a goodwill initiative aimed at providing clean water to areas affected by the Asian Tsunami two years ago. This project is the first goodwill initiative conducted by TÜV SÜD in Asia with the help of PSB Technologies. Spanning over five months, the project involved designing, fabricating, installing, commissioning and managing the project to full operation and was recently concluded with a handover by Dr Steve Lai, CEO of PSB Technologies on 14 June 2007.

Dr. Lai mentioned that, “The water filtration system will be very beneficial in solving the water problems, especially during crisis. We hope that we can do similar projects in other locations in the future.” He explained that the water filtration system is a new technology that is able to provide clean water that is bacteria-free. Each unit has a capacity of 500 liters/hour. Furthermore, this capacity is scalable when required.

The filtration systems which will benefit at least 1,500 villagers, were donated to four villages in Aceh Tamiang; Benua Raja, Perdamaian, Landoh, and Babo-Pulau Tiga, and six villages in Medan; Bandar Timur Baru (Babalan), Lorong Pisang, Kampung Nelayan I, Kampung Nelayan II, Kampung Buruh (in Belawan area) and Gaharu Mosque.

Dr. Lai thanked the local partners, i.e. WISH (Water Initiative for Securing Health), Singapore and KKI (Komunitas Kemanusiaan Indonesia - Indonesia Humanitarian Community), North Sumatra who have helped in the success of the project.

Gratitude towards TÜV SÜD and PSB Technologies was shared with Dr. Adrian Yeo, Project Manager of WISH Singapore and Mr. Rahmi Khairul, Executive Director of KKI North Sumatra. “We hope the communities that received the donation will maintain the water filtration systems well to be able to attain the maximum benefits. We also hope that similar aids can be given to other locations that are in need”, said Mr. Khairul.

Communities that have received the water filtration system mentioned that they were very fortunate to be able to receive the donation from TÜV SÜD and PSB Technologies as in the past, getting clean water was time-consuming and expensive.

This project serves to highlight how better and more efficient technology can improve rural living and also position TÜV SÜD as a socially aware and responsible organization both in Indonesia and internationally.

Local villagers having a taste of the water from the Ultrafiltration system.

Dr Steve Lai, CEO, PSB Technologies (back row, far left) and Ms Melanie Tantri, Consultant, PSB Technologies (back row, second from left) with children from the Belawan community who benefitted from the Clean Water Project.

Editor: Liz Fendt