Families in rural Timor-Leste who once spent hours each day collecting unsafe water now have clean, reliable water close to home, thanks to the generosity of Jesuit Mission Australia supporters.
Delivered with local partner Jesuit Social Service Timor-Leste, the Clean Water Project pumps water from a spring or underground source to a main village tank, with taps installed so residents can collect water safely and easily.
In Busadau, a tiny sub-village in rural Timor-Leste, families now have clean running water near their homes for the first time.
Before the project, children were often responsible for collecting water while adults worked during daylight hours, taking time away from school, rest and play.
“The spring is far below where we live,” recalls Luciano, a Busadau resident. “Fetching drinking water meant 10 or more trips a day with five-litre containers. These had to be carried by hand because there was no road access to the spring. Each trip took almost an hour.”
Many children spent more time fetching water than learning or playing with friends. In a country where more than 40 per cent of the population lives in poverty, missed school days can make it even harder for children to complete their education and break the cycle of poverty.
Without a reliable source of water, the community struggled to grow crops to feed their children. In the dry season, water sources could vanish overnight. In the rainy season, flooding could contaminate the water and make it unsafe to drink.
The community’s unreliable water supply affected health, education and food security, making daily life especially difficult for children and families.
Unsafe water also increased the risk of waterborne illness and disease, placing children and families at greater risk.
Community ownership is central to the Clean Water Project, which has improved health, sanitation, livelihoods and future prospects for almost 1,800 people.
By involving local residents from the outset and supporting them to practise safe hygiene, maintain their water systems and protect their water sources, the project is designed to create lasting change.
Clare Dunstan, Jesuit Mission Australia’s relationship manager, said the Clean Water Project shows what is possible when local leadership and donor generosity work together.
“With continued support, Jesuit Mission can help more communities in Timor-Leste build lasting access to safe water.”
Details: jesuitmission.org.au/busadau.
FULL STORY
Clean water project transforms daily life for 1,800 people in rural Timor-Leste (Jesuit Mission Australia)
