Toilets for Timor-Leste
Access to clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene (WASH) is a major issue in Timor-Leste. Especially in the steep and forested mountains where many of the poorest people live. These difficult-to-access communities rely on local government authorities that lack funding and training.
That’s why we’re pleased to share with you that last month in Timor-Leste, WaterAid and local partners installed a rural water system in the Taitudak and Ferik-Sare villages, which will benefit over 2,000 people.
The new facilities include eight inclusive toilets with water installation, providing access for people with a disability. The work also included installing six handwashing stands in healthcare facilities and schools, giving healthcare workers a safe and clean environment to care for their patients and students a safe place to wash their hands.
The WASH situation in the two villages prior to WaterAid’s intervention was not good. The community had to travel long distances to access clean water, and a system previously installed by another organisation had not been maintained and no longer worked. Key public facilities like schools and local healthcare facilities did not have access to clean water, with students, teachers and health professionals unable to access clean water, toilets or handwashing facilities.
With our implementing partner Fundasaun Luta ba Futuru, WaterAid Timor-Leste worked in the villages to ensure the community had access to working and sustainable WASH systems.
Together we made many positive changes that have enabled the entire community to have ongoing access to clean water from the 14 accessible water taps, including the public facilities such as the local primary school and main healthcare centre. To ensure longevity, the community are trained to manage the WASH systems, the new toilets and also how to build their own toilets and handwashing taps.
This project is supported by the Australian Government and implemented by WaterAid and our partners.