DILI, 19 july 2022 (TATOLI) – Vice President of Compact Operations of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), Cameron Alford, and the Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Fidelis Manuel Leite Magalhães sign an agreement for the implementation of the US$ 484 million projects.
The US$484 million which consists of US$ 420 million made available by the MCC, together with US$64.000.000,00 contribution made available by the Government of Timor-Leste.
The investment will focus on two main Compact projects, such as the Water Sanitation and Drainage (WSD) project which include the disinfection of national waters, sewage, and drainage systems, the strengthening of institutions and regulatory bodies, and the creation of a solid supply of water and sewage for domestic use that complies with the most advanced engineering and procedures at an international level and the Education Project which will include a New Center of Excellence for the training of new teachers which would guaranty quality and leadership standards.
In his remarks, Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak said that providing access to a technologically modern, clean, and safe drinking water system under the direction of the management company, Bee TL, E.P, is important to eradicate waterborne diseases.
“It’s a multi-sector and transversal commitment, with positive impacts on all levels of our society and that has managed to mobilize the efforts of the government as a whole, encouraging the spirit of belonging not only of the ministries with direct responsibilities for Education, Youth and Sports, and Public Works but also of other sovereign bodies, such ads National Parliament and the Presidency of the Republic, with the important contribution of civil society organizations, said Taur.
Ruak thanked MCC for its decision in selecting Timor-Leste as the destination of the funds: “I would like to thank the United States Government and People for their trust, which honors us greatly, demonstrating the strong bonds of fraternal friendship and cooperation that unite us, not only around common values and principles such as democracy, respect for international law, and the fulfillment of human rights, but above all, around common goals such as the wellbeing of the people, through the important purpose of facilitating access to water and quality education, for the development of healthier, more prosperous, and happier lives.”
Related News:https://en.tatoli.tl/2022/05/23/the-united-states-to-formalize-a-proposal-of-a-420-million-mcc-compact-to-tl-in-2022/
Ministers Magalhães said that the 5 years assistance package is important to support our economic growth and improve the social and environmental conditions.
“These five-year projects will help to improve the living conditions of the populations which will build resilient communities,” he said.
Alford thanked the Prime Minister and Minister Magalhaes for their steadfast support for the development of the new MCC compact.
He said over the next five years, MCC will make transformational investments in Timor-Leste’s water and education sectors to improve the health and skills of the Timorese population and contribute to Timor-Leste’s continued development and prosperity: “The United States is committed to strengthening our enduring partnership with Timor-Leste and the Timorese people.”
Related News:https://en.tatoli.tl/2022/05/27/tl-mcc-to-sign-implementation-agreement-of-uss420-million-projects-in-june/
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
