DILI, march 22, 2023 (TATOLI)– The President of the Republic of Timor-Leste invites the government to intensify the conservation of water resources, aiming to ensure people’s access to clean water to have a healthy and prosperous life.
“Water is very important for humans on earth and important for the Agriculture, Education, Health, Tourism and other sectors, therefore the government must take action to conserve water resources in Timor-Leste because we are vulnerable to water resources during the long dry season. ,” President of Republic, José Ramos Horta told journalists at the celebration of World Water Day, in City8, Manleuana, this Wednesday.
With regards to Horta’s commendation, the President, of ANAS I.P., Domingos Pinto said the Water and Sanitation authorities were engaged with its policies for water conservation across the country.
“We are coordinating with six local Timorese NGOs working in the field of water conservation. The six local NGOs consist of PERMATIL, THDL, Eradeep Ngo, Siaun, Unicef, and others,”
Water conservation projects have been implemented in Atauru, Baucau, Viqueque, Bobonaro, and Oecusse while ANAS.I.P plans to expand water conservation projects in Maubesi, Ainaro, Ermera, and other municipalities in the near future.
In addition, PERMATIL Executive Director, Ego Lemos said PERMATIL began working with the ANAS.IP government to save water in 2022.
“We have carried out water conservation in several villages in Dili such as Dare, Manleuana, Hera, and Becora Kulau,” he said.
Following the implementation of the water conservation project, the Data from the Water and Sanitation Authority recorded that over 74.8% of water sources need to be conserved, With public access to clean water in Timor-Leste reaching 70%.
To improve water conservation for the community, in 2023 the government provides 3 million USD to support the project.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Nelia B.
