The World Bank (WB) approved a loan of 121 million dollars (113 million euros) for a project that could provide drinking water to 83,380 people in the capital of Timor-Leste.
The executive board of the World Bank approved the development, modernization and expansion of the water supply system in eastern Dili, through 12,482 pipeline connections.
The project is expected to start in October, following the Timorese government’s ratification of the deal, according to a statement released on Wednesday.
Providing more clean water to more people will significantly improve their health and well-being and ultimately contribute to economic growth.”
“This project is a timely contribution to the government’s renewed focus on human capital as it celebrates its 20th anniversary of independence,” he added.
Only about 40% of Dili’s 317,000 residents have access to running water, says the same note.
Access to drinking water is limited by “aging infrastructure, highly intermittent supplies and low pressures, inadequate maintenance, and a high number of illegal connections, resulting in reduced income” for Timor-Leste’s public water company, the WB said.
The institution argued that the project will improve the financial viability of Bee Timor-Leste (BTL).
Source: Observadora
