Since shortly before Easter, Klaus Strätz of EnWaT (Energy and Water Technology) has been working with the Irrawaddy River Doctors in Myanmar on a voluntary basis for us. He is responsible for the installation and commissioning of a filter system for the water supply for patients and staff.

Previously, all the water pipes on board the "Polly" - our floating medical practice - had to be completely replaced and renewed on the spur of the moment. They were highly corroded. One reason for this is certainly the high salt content of the water, depending on the time of year. To counteract this, almost all the water for the ship will now be filtered in future; only the water in the toilets will remain unfiltered.

A water treatment plant is therefore urgently needed and has now finally been installed. Due to the civil war, the system could not be installed in the last two years.

Today, after 4 weeks in dry dock, the ship has been put back into the water and the final commissioning and tests are underway. Fortunately, all the electricity required for this can be covered by the existing solar system.

We are extremely grateful that Mr. Strätz undertook this trip and took on this important task despite the uncertain situation in view of the aftershocks and the extremely difficult conditions in Myanmar at the moment. We look forward to receiving a detailed report on his return.