Dili, October 4, 2024 (Média Democracia) – The government through the Ministry of Health together with the World Health Organization (WHO) held a workshop on the Global Validation and Assessment Analysis on Timor-Leste’s water and sanitation. The activity was held at the Timor Hotel, on Thursday.
In an interview with the WHO representative in Timor Leste, Arvind Mathur said that he felt proud and it was a great honor to have the opportunity to participate in the analytical research of the United Nations Global Assessment on Water and Sanitation (GLASS).
“I am very honored to be here, today is the first day, I would like to congratulate the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Public Works, for deciding to participate in the study on GLASS, this year shows the true compromise and dedication of this country to do good monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goals target 6.a and 6.b on water and sanitation.” Said WHO representative to Timor-Leste, Arvind Mathur
He informed that limited data is better than incomplete data as it will help in establishing a baseline for future appointments. Heartfelt thanks and appreciation for all the efforts of the Department of Environmental Health, Ministry of Health and all relevant ministries and kindly request the latter to identify any missing data and provide accurate data to the country. He also congratulated Timor-Leste for using the GLASS online digital platform for the first time.
As Deputy Minister of Health, José dos Reis Magno said that today’s activity was to collect this year’s data, so that the ranks of the ministry could participate in assessing the data.
“Because this assessment program must involve related ministries and collaborate with UNFP, WHO to conduct an assessment of the data that has been collected, because MS cannot possibly conduct an assessment alone,” said the Deputy Minister of Health.
As the Director of Maintenance Operations of BTL.Ep, Aleixo dos Santos said that the purpose of this workshop was to discuss the global organization organized by the Ministry of Health and prepare several documents related to global analysis, the aim is to convey the plan to the world level so that it is known what we have made and achieved in Timor-Leste related to water and sanitation, because water and sanitation are important sources for improving nutrition and good health for all of us.
The allocation of funds is not only part of BTL.Ep but also for all ministries that have been working together with the Ministry of Health, Education, Public Works including related ministries involved in GLASS itself so that the funds that have been allocated for all programs are properly distributed.
“The funds allocated for BTL.Ep in 2024 total 6 million USD for operational maintenance and management this year, but the funds are not only from the Ministry, we also receive funds from partners, development partners who have helped us so far such as JICA with 200 million USD, America and UNICEF more than 200 million USD but the funds from UNICEF are to answer the problem of the long summer.” Said the Director
He continued, BTL.Ep as a state-owned enterprise responsible for water and sanitation, we all know that our water resources in Timor-Leste are very lacking, almost all of us explore water from underground, if we do not guarantee the availability of water properly then water will continue to be scarce.
“We all have to be responsible to the community on how we can maintain water sustainability so that we can use water safely. Agencies such as the Ministry of Health and also other places that have not been reached by clean water, BTL.Ep together with the Ministry of Public Works are identifying efforts to provide water for all of us.” He continued.
In relation to this, it would be further emphasized that our water is the source of all human needs, therefore the ranks of the Ministry or work partners must work hard to ensure the availability of adequate water, so that our people no longer scream for water.
Reported by : Nelfiano Saores
Photo : Nelfiano