Dili, September 17, 2014 – On September 15, 2014, USAID/Timor-Leste transferred water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) materials valued at $250,000 to the Government of Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Public Works.  The materials will now be utilized by the Department of Water Supply (DWS) to support the Ministry’s efforts to provide improved water and sanitation to the citizens of Timor-Leste.  It is envisioned that DWS will use these materials to maintain existing water systems throughout the country.  During the handover, USAID’s Mission Director John Seong stated, “I know that these materials will be in good hands.  USAID looks forward to seeing the materials improve the lives of Timorese citizens.”    

The donation consisted of surplus materials from USAID’s District Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene (DWASH) project—a four-year, $20 million investment aimed at providing citizens of Timor-Leste with access to improved water sources, basic sanitation, and enhanced hygiene and natural resources management.  Assistance delivered through this project from 2008 to 2012 strengthened district-level government capacity to deliver WASH and environmental services, thereby supporting the country’s efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals.