The FINANCIAL — Representatives from the Government of Timor-Leste and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on May 15 launched a new project to improve the quality of drinking water in the district capitals of Manatuto and Pante Macasar.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Timor-Leste Minister for Public Works Transport and Communications Gastão de Sousa; Vice Minister Januario da Costa; and Gaspar Gusmão, Municipal Administrator for Manatuto. ADB was represented by Urban Development Specialist Allison Woodruff, according to ADB.
“The project will deliver a clean 24-hour water supply to target urban areas, and increase the number of households with access with a piped water supply,” said Ms. Woodruff. “Women in particular will benefit from improved water supply services by reducing the time spent collecting and treating water, and caring for family members suffering from water-borne disease”.
The project aims to rehabilitate and expand the Manatuto and Pante Macasar water supply systems, as well as disseminate information on efficient water use and safe hygiene practices. Upon completion, the rehabilitated water supply systems will have the capacity to provide clean water to about 30,500 people over the next 20 years. It will help women by involving them in decision-making and hygiene awareness campaigns.
Another key component of the project is reducing the incidence of water-related disease, particularly in children under 5; it is part of the Timor-Leste government’s target to provide 24-hour access to safe drinking water to 100% of the country’s population by 2030.
The Ministry of Public Works Transport and Telecommunications is the executing agency for the project, which should be completed by mid-2017.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2014, ADB assistance totaled $22.9 billion, including cofinancing of $9.2 billion.
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