DILI, 05 october 2024 (TATOLI) – MCA-TL Executive Director Ambassador Constâncio Pinto alongside Minister of Justice, Sergio Hornai and Vice Minister of Justice, Paulo Ramirez participated in the signing ceremony of the buy and sell agreement for land acquisition for the Compact Wastewater Treatment Plant. Twelve households in Bebonuk today signed an agreement to receive the buy and sell packages from the Timor-Leste government in exchange for their land, which will be used for the construction of the future wastewater treatment plant in the Bebonuk Area. The facility will be under the management of Bee Timor-Leste (BTL E.P), the Timorese Water Authority Management.
The buy and sell agreement packages include payments for land, buildings, infrastructure, and plantations for this phase totaling around $4,8 million. The land acquisition purchasing process is expected to be completed within two weeks with households anticipated to vacate their properties by November this year. The government and MCA-TL team have conducted numbers of public meetings discussion to inform the residents with regards to the wastewater treatment plant.
One of the household members, Silveiro Mau Bere, expressed his strong support for the project, stating, ‘I am willing to hand over my land to the government for the wastewater treatment plant because it will help Timor-Leste to become better.’ His commitment underscores the importance of the project to the community and reflects the shared vision of contributing to the nation’s progress.
MCA-TL Executive Director Ambassador Pinto states that “Ambassador Pinto, Executive Director of MCA-TL, stated, “The WSD Project is a crucial initiative for Timor-Leste, addressing critical issues related to water, sanitation, and environmental sustainability. By investing in this project, the government and the MCC are demonstrating their commitment to improving the lives of Timor-Leste’s citizens and building a more prosperous and sustainable future.”
MCA-TL’s consulting firm, Nicholas O’Dwyer, conducted the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), alongside the preparation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) and the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). The project’s environmental concerns will be properly mitigated by adhering to relevant government regulations and ensuring full compliance with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) requirements, thus promoting sustainable and responsible development.”
The wastewater treatment plant is a key component of the Water, Sanitation, and Drainage (WSD) project, one of the main projects under the Timor-Leste Compact jointly funded by the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Timorese government. Need to mention the total amount of the investment US$420 Million from US and the US$ 64 million from Government of Timor-Leste,
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
