Yangon: Taiwanese-American water expert Wayne Chang has been working tirelessly in Myanmar to rebuild its water infrastructure following a devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the country on March 28. The earthquake, the largest to hit Myanmar in over a century, left many locals homeless and destroyed vital water facilities.

According to Focus Taiwan, Chang has been stationed in Yangon since April, serving as a water hygiene and sanitation coordinator for M©decins Sans Fronti¨res (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders. His efforts have been focused on restoring access to clean water, a critical need for the affected communities. Chang and his team have repaired 70 to 80 percent of the damaged wells, built new ones, and installed filtering devices, ensuring a stable supply of clean water.

Chang’s previous experience with MSF during the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake underscored the urgency of restoring water supplies in emergency situations. He emphasized the importance of clean water to prevent further health crises, as reliance on contaminated water from rivers could lead to outbreaks of skin diseases.

A significant challenge in Myanmar is the impending monsoon season. Chang expressed concerns about potential floods and landslides, which could complicate the rebuilding efforts, particularly in rural areas. The team is working diligently to secure water systems before the heavy rains begin, understanding the critical nature of their timeline.

Chang’s journey with MSF began at age 28 in South Sudan, and he has since contributed to water projects in Ethiopia, Puerto Rico, and Tanzania. Despite the difficulties, he draws strength from the support of friends and family, as well as the resilience of his colleagues and the local community in Myanmar.

He highlighted the determination of MSF workers from Myanmar, who assist in the rebuilding efforts while dealing with their personal losses. The local community’s willingness to share resources and support each other has left a lasting impression on Chang. He recounted a memorable moment when a local woman brought meals to the team, likening the experience to a family gathering.

Chang stressed the need for long-term solutions to ensure a continuous supply of clean water, as short-term measures like bottled water donations are insufficient. His goal is to establish flexible and resilient systems that can withstand future challenges.