DILI, 20 april 2024 (TATOLI) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) team, led by Country Director Stefania Dina, visited the Water Supply System in the Municipality of Manatuto, which benefited 1574 households.
The water supply system was launched in 2015 and inaugurated in 2021, financed by ADB with a total budget of US$11 million.
The water supply system provides a 24-hour supply of clean water to the targeted urban areas and increases the number of households with access to a piped water supply. The project has helped women by reducing the time spent on collecting and treating water and caring for family members suffering from water-borne diseases.
Dina said the Water Supply System is still functioning well and continues to provide clean water to the community, saying that maintenance is needed to ensure the sustainability of the water supply system.
Fatima Pereira Sores, one of the beneficiaries of the Water Supply System expressed her heartfelt appreciation to ADB for its support.
“We no longer spend money to buy clean water or spend time to carry water from faraway places,” she said.
ADB has planned to expand the implementation of the Water Supply System program to other municipalities.
The project rehabilitated and expanded the Manatuto water supply systems, as well as disseminated information on efficient water use and safe hygiene practices.
The project reduced 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.
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.
Journalist: Jose Belarmino de Sa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
