SOIBADA WATER SUPPLY PROJECT
Soibada is a remote village geographically in the centre of Timor Leste about 6 hours drive from Dili over tortuous roads into the mountains. Some 5000 people live in and around Soibada and water supply has been an ongoing problem for many years.
There is a reliable freshwater spring about half a 
kilometre above the main part of the village. Numerous NGOs have attempted to rectify the water supply situation and now various water systems lead from this spring to different parts of Soibada like spaghetti across the landscape. Pipes made of plastic and steel in a variety of sizes have been illegally accessed and water diverted but most is wasted. Some water points exist however taps are broken and water is squandered at an alarming rate 24 hours a day.
The local school has 600 children attending with just one toilet operational. There are another 11 toilets requiring refurbishment, mostly unblocking and septic tank emptying. At the back of the school is a large bathroom/toilet block with girls and boys facilities which has been wrecked internally.
On a recent visit by the Rotary Liaison Officer the headmaster and other locals expressed the desire to once and for all rectify the water supply. A suggestion to set up a Soibada Water Commission with relevant people involved was discussed and greeted with enthusiasm. The Water Commission would allocate water and control the system with penalties for villagers who illegally broke into the system.
The Save Water, Save Lives committee from RAWCS Southern region has some funding available for the water pipes and toilet rectification but at least one water tank of about 5500 litres is required for a community some distance from the main village.
Another visit very soon will attempt to set up the Soibada Water Commission and work out the finer details including plumbing material required.
The opportunity exists to improve the health and wellbeing of the Soibada villagers through regular water supply, improve hygiene and stop strenuous water carrying.
Please help... tony_vanriet@optusnet.com.au
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