DILI, 09 June 2025 (TATOLI) – Through the generous support of the People’s Republic of China, UNICEF today handed over 25 reservoir water tanks to the Ministry of Public Works through Be’e Timor-Leste (BTL). E.P, each with a holding capacity of 5,200 liters’ capacity, to support communities who were affected by floods in 2021.
These water tanks will be distributed to the affected communities in Dili, Baucau, Ainaro and Ermera municipalities, benefitting more than 10,000 people from 2,000 households.
The handover ceremony was done with the presence of Samuel Marçal, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Public Works; Wang Wenli, The People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Timor-Leste; Patrizia DiGiovanni, UNICEF Country Representative to Timor-Leste; Gustavo da Cruz, the President of BTL E.P, officials from the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Health, BTL and UNICEF.
“This handover event marks an important milestone in reshaping the lives of flood affected communities, and helping vulnerable communities to mitigate the risks associated with flooding.” said DiGiovanni, in Dili, today.
“With support from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, China will continue to cooperate with UNICEF within the project framework to provide water supply and purification equipment to people and communities in Timor-Leste. Through community participation and capacity building, we aim to promote the sustainable management of this equipment and ensure that more people have access to clean and safe water,” said Ambassador Wenli.
“For a long time, UNICEF and the China have been providing support to the Government of Timor-Leste in the areas of water and health services. On behalf of the Government of Timor-Leste, we thank you for your kind support to our communities, specifically for those who are living in the rural areas.” said Minister Marçal.
The water tanks represent the collective commitment of the Government of Timor-Leste, The People’s Republic of China, and UNICEF to providing clean and safe water, while safeguarding the lives and livelihoods, of people who are vulnerable to floods.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
