Ainaro, July 24, 2025 (Média Democracia) – For many years, residents of Aldeia 6 in Fatubessi Village, Maubisse Administrative Post, Ainaro Municipality, have lacked access to clean water.
According to Francisco de Almeida dos Reis, a resident of Hohulo hamlet in Fatubessi Village, the community feels deeply saddened due to the absence of clean water in both Hohulo and the broader Aldeia 6 area, which still has not received any clean water supply.
“Clean water is a crucial factor. Without it, the impact on community health and education is significant. This is not a new problem. It has persisted since the UNAMET era until now, but no higher-level leader has paid serious attention to the situation in Fatubessi Village, Maubisse Administrative Post, Ainaro Municipality,” said Francisco de Almeida dos Reis at the Fatubessi village office.
He explained that other villages have previously received water supply systems through NGO PLAN and the government during the eighth constitutional government’s term. Yet Fatubessi continues to face severe issues, especially with water.
“In Fatubessi, we’re facing two main problems: lack of clean water and poor road conditions. But until now, neither the government nor any NGO has responded to these persistent problems. In our daily lives, especially in the dry season, the land is parched. In the rainy season, only residents in higher hamlets benefit from rainfall, while those living in lower areas have to fetch water from streams or rivers far away, like the Lesumanu River,” Francisco emphasized.
In response, Fatubessi Village Chief Bonifacio Pereira Mendonça stated that currently, the clean water source is indeed very far away from where people need it.
“Our village is made up of six hamlets, but only one that is Kaitana where has access to clean water because it’s located uphill, where water is available. Hamlet 5, located on higher ground, has no clean water access. NGOs such as PLAN and Luta ba Futuru have visited the area to assess water access in Hamlet 5, but it’s quite difficult to transport water there,” said Village Chief Bonifacio Pereira Mendonça.
He added that they had submitted a priority plan to the municipal authorities to address water issues, but no response has been received so far.
“In terms of distance, water has to be fetched from the village center, which is over 100 kilometers away. I’ve already spoken with community members to contribute water for school use, especially for cooking school meals,” the Village Chief explained.
Meanwhile, Helder de Orleas Soares, representative of the Maubisse Administrative Post Administrator, acknowledged that although Fatubessi is made up of six hamlets, not all are without clean water, only Hamlet 5 currently lacks access.
“The communities mostly live on higher ground, while the water source is downhill. NGOs have already worked on canalization projects, but the water pump system is damaged, and technicians are conducting a survey to assess the issue. Gradually, we will extend the canalization,” said Helder de Orleas Soares.
He further emphasized that despite the situation, all development requests must go through administrative assessments. However, the Post itself lacks fixed development capital. That said, as Post authorities, they remain committed to working through the government to find a solution.
Reporting: Tomas
Photo: Tomas