Dili, June 9, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Chinese Embassy, through China Aid and in partnership with UNICEF, officially handed over 25 water storage tanks to Bee Timor-Leste (BTL, E.P.) to support communities in four municipalities, particularly those affected by flooding and landslides. The ceremony took place at the Ministry of Public Works warehouse in Colmera, Dili.
Chinese Ambassador Wang Wenli expressed her pleasure in participating in the ceremony to deliver water tanks to BTL, E.P., aimed at improving access to safe water in Timor-Leste.
“On behalf of the Chinese Government, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to BTL, E.P. for their support of this project and to the UNICEF Representative Office in Timor-Leste for its professionalism and efficient organization during the project’s implementation,” said Ambassador Wang.
She emphasized that water is a source of life for children, women, and entire communities. Access to safe water is not only a health issue but also a matter of dignity, opportunity, and future development.
“Water shortages and weak infrastructure can severely impact social development and increase the vulnerability of disadvantaged groups, particularly children. The water tanks will be distributed and installed in the municipalities of Ainaro, Baucau, Dili, and Ermera,” the Ambassador stated.
She affirmed that these tanks would not only supply communities with secure and stable water storage systems but also mark a step forward in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of universal access to water and sanitation.
“China and Timor-Leste share a strong friendship and solid political ties. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, both nations have seen meaningful cooperation across sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and health,” she added.
Ambassador Wang reaffirmed China’s commitment in supporting Timor-Leste’s infrastructure development and the improvement of its people’s living conditions. Through support from the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, China will continue working with UNICEF on water supply and purification projects for the people of Timor-Leste.
UNICEF Representative in Timor-Leste, Patrizia Di Giovanni, welcomed participants to the important occasion, noting that the 25 water tanks, each with a capacity of 5,200 liters which will assist communities affected by the floods and landslides that occurred in 2021.
“In April 2021, we witnessed devastating floods caused by Cyclone Seroja that affected almost the entire country. Many people were evacuated to shelters, and critical water infrastructure was damaged, especially in Dili, Baucau, Ainaro, and Ermera,” said Patrizia Di Giovanni.
She noted that the destruction posed serious threats to the health and safety of children and families due to water contamination, leaving many communities without access to clean water. Four years later, some communities still lack regular water supply systems, and many families are at risk of waterborne diseases because they rely on contaminated sources.
BTL, E.P. President Gustavo da Cruz also spoke at the ceremony, confirming the joint support from the Chinese Government and UNICEF.
“This support stems from cooperation initiated following the 2021 floods. After going through the necessary procedures, we are finally able to receive and allocate these 25 tanks to the municipalities of Dili, Baucau, Ainaro, and Ermera. But this is not only about flood response, it is also about adapting to extreme weather events linked to climate change,” said Gustavo da Cruz.
He also shared that in last years, UNICEF has provided an additional 85 water tanks in response to El Niño-related water shortages in other municipalities such as Manufahi, Liquica, Aileu, Bobonaro, and Lautem.
The 25 tanks received today will support communities in municipalities that have faced recurrent flooding and are expected to help improve access to clean water during future dry seasons.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano