Background

In late 2012, the Australian Federal Government established a refugee processing centre on the remote pacific island of Nauru. The situation was critical, requiring swift delivery of humanitarian assistance.

There was insufficient drinking water available, so a fresh drinking water supply was urgently required for the additional population.

Solution

MAK Water provided a Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Desalination Plant for hire to the processing centre.

MAK Water Key Solutions

Prompt Action

  • The SWRO hire plant was transported 6,000 km’s by road and air and supplied to the island within 24 hours.

Onsite support

  • MAK Water’s site support team were immediately deployed to prepare the site for the plant’s arrival.
  • The sea water intake system was installed in a highly tidal environment.
  • The plant was installed and commissioned as soon as it arrived at Nauru.

Results and benefits

  • Quick response. The immediate transportation and commissioning of the plant enabled the Australian Federal Government to start providing drinking water to the new residents in quick time.
  • On site support in a challenging environment. MAK Water’s commitment to reliable plant operation, despite the challenges of installing a sea water intake in a highly tidal environment, and local site conditions, ensured fresh drinking water was available as soon as possible.