Tine is a long way from the capital and the journey there would take us through a country scattered with at least four rebel bases. But the peace keeping force needed a base from which to ensure the safe return of refugees, and – in spite of the many challenges and risks involved – we managed to give them one.

Whether you’re heading for West, Central or East Africa, we can have an advance team on site to kick the project off within 72 hours, closely followed by reinforcements. Our project managers are all prepped for rapid mobilization and we have a large database of trusted contract staff. In addition, pre-qualified suppliers of equipment and fast logistical capabilities enable quick ramp up for new contracts. It helps that we already know who to deal with and how to get things done quickly.

When you work with us, there will be no such nasty surprises. In any location where we offer support, we’ve already done thorough ground research ahead of your request. Our teams have visited the region over a period of 2-3 years, gathering info about the roads, the weather conditions, and any other mission critical information. We can’t stop flash floods in the desert, but we can help you avoid them!

We flagged up that there would be an issue but, since it proved impossible to revise the order, we also organized back-up vehicles close to the site. The convoy drove ahead as planned, with barely any time lost.

TNR is now standard practice across all UNSOS Somalia compounds and, between September 2017 and May 2018, our experienced veterinarian team treated over 1,315 animals throughout the country. Where possible, we relocate the animals back into the local community to give them the opportunity of a longer and happier life in a family setting. Those that remain help provide early warning of any intruders for the AMISOM soldiers and are a source of comfort during long tours of duty.

We had to negotiate dense jungles, unmade and unsafe roads as we passed through territory held by the South Sudanese rebels and other militia. And we had no valid map. Undaunted by the task, we approached the journey with the attitude that, ‘whatever it takes, we're going to make it!’

If there were no roads, we used our local knowledge and our own bulldozer to make them. Finally, after 72 days and thanks to the tenacity and determination of our operators, we arrived at our destination in Bangui, CAR.

Planning, practice and prevention were key to the logistical exercise that enabled them to keep going. The mechanics, for example, brought along every conceivable spare part and had previously practiced towing trucks and changing tires at high speed. The chefs ensured sufficient food stocks to keep the team going throughout the long haul.

Imagine, then, the delight of a UK military unit seeking respite in their pursuit of the Taliban when we served them with beef sandwiches and roast chicken, a far cry from their usual dried rations. Later, they managed to drive back the Taliban and carry the day. It was a case of us delivering so they could deliver!

Well sh*t happens, especially when you’re far away from home. The low night temperatures killed off the bacteria that were essential to the working of the wastewater treatment plant. As a result, the plant failed, causing a back-up and waste spillage. We were called in at 2.30 am to clean up. Manpower resolved the issue that day…and our brainpower suggested they switch to a mechanical system instead!

We trained local women to sort the waste. Paper was recycled in local markets as kindling; old hydraulic oil was burned to fire the kilns (instead of felling trees); aluminium cans (soldiers drink a lot of soda) were turned into frying spoons by local people to earn an income and cardboard boxes (solidly manufactured European ones) were re-used to carry goods to market.

Keeping the gardens or grounds clean was an essential part of the service. Picking up rubbish, collecting dead leaves to prevent rats and snakes from nesting and getting rid of standing water where mosquitoes can breed were just some of the measures we took to maintain the health and wellbeing of the camp population.

It’s not just about repairing and maintaining things such as generator farms, water and waste water treatment plants, AC units, X-ray scanners, kitchen appliances and the like. It’s about doing a thorough situation assessment; ensuring that in a severe environment where infrastructure is limited, our logistics chain is fit for purpose and that the supplies and spare parts are readily to hand and adapted to the local climate. We are that vital behind-the-scenes link that provides solutions regardless and enables others to concentrate on their core deliverables.

During the 2016 crisis, our staff maintained a presence even after our client evacuated. We kept everything in working order, so it would be ready to step back into when they came back. This reduced the restart maintenance and repair costs when the client returned to continue with their support to the South Sudanese government.

Although conditions vary from site to site, our experts always approach the task in the same professional way, using advanced technology and innovative thinking. They work with the plight of the pests and the environment top of mind.

Instead of letting that happen, we categorised the issues and split the workforce into task-based teams to tackle them one by one.

The result? Efficiency doubled, decision-making became quicker and clearer, and the pace of work took off. We were back on track within just a couple of weeks. It’s amazing what you can do as a team and with the support of management!

In fact, right from the very outset, we ensure that equipment supplied is compliant with environmental policies. We build waste management facilities to handle various organic and non-organic types of waste including medical waste. We build wastewater treatment plants to treat ‘black’ and ‘grey’ water. The treated water can then be reused for road construction, irrigation and landscaping.

The camp was designed to house 160 high level officers while they were training their local counterparts. We delivered offices, accommodation, kitchens and dining area, power and water. All the comforts of home (almost!).