The Cruz Vermelha de Timor-Leste (CVTL), in partnership with the Liquiçá Municipal Authority, officially inaugurated newly completed clean water systems for the communities of Gariana and Lebukailiti Sub-Villages in Vatuvou Village, as well as Lebumeta, Pametapu, Darulara, and Nunuana Villages in Maubara Administrative Post. The ceremony, held on 5 November 2025 in Liquiçá, marked a significant milestone in expanding access to safe and sustainable water for rural communities.
The project aims to improve hygiene and health conditions, reduce waterborne diseases, and strengthen community livelihoods through reliable access to clean water. In addition to infrastructure development, the initiative also includes door-to-door hygiene education delivered by CVTL’s WASH team, ensuring communities gain both physical access to clean water and knowledge on proper sanitation practices.
In Vatuvou Village, the system benefits 97 households, supporting a population of 491 people. The installation includes 1 well, a rehabilitated sedimentation tank, 5 distribution tanks, 15 tap stands, and over 10 kilometers of piping. In Vaviquinia Village, the project serves 35 households with a population of 1,298 people through the construction of 1 well, 1 settling tank, 6 distribution tanks, 7 tap stands, and more than 5.3 kilometers of pipeline.
The event was attended by national and municipal leaders, including the President of the Liquiçá Municipal Authority, H.E. Mr. Paulino Ribeiro; CVTL President Sra. Madalena Soares Hamjan; CVTL Vice President Sr. Marçal Fretas Magno; CVTL Secretary General Sr. Agapito da Silva; GASC Coordinator Eng. Joaquim da Costa Freitas; representatives from SMASA, the Ministry of Health, the Maubara Post Administrator, local authorities, and community members. Their presence underscored the importance of strong collaboration for sustainable community development.
In his remarks, President Paulino Ribeiro expressed appreciation to CVTL and the Civil Society Support Office (GASC) for funding the water project, emphasizing that clean water plays a crucial role in improving community well-being. He urged the community and the GMF water management groups to take good care of the system to ensure its long-term sustainability. CVTL President Sra. Madalena also thanked GASC for its continued support, noting that CVTL has received around 400 community proposals regarding clean water needs and has resolved 200 to date, including the two newly inaugurated villages. She highlighted the importance of clean water in reducing illnesses such as diarrhea and encouraged families to use this opportunity to support livelihoods, such as planting sugarcane.
GASC Coordinator Eng. Joaquim da Costa Freitas reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting CVTL, recognized under Decree-Law No. 6/2005 as Timor-Leste’s national humanitarian organization. He encouraged CVTL to continue its work in improving access to clean water and livelihoods and called on local authorities to safeguard community well-being. The Liquiçá Municipal Authority expressed its gratitude to all partners and communities for their cooperation, noting that the project’s success reflects strong joint efforts for local development. The initiative is fully funded by the Civil Society Support Office (GASC).
