LocationsA game-changer for rural communities: The Solar Water Pump is bringing water closer to 120 households
October 11, 2024
Solar Water Pomp system in Hatuermera
The Accelerating Clean Energy Access to Reduce Inequalities (ACCESS) project, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, has recently celebrated a significant milestone with the inauguration of a solar water pump in Hatuermera, Laclo, in Manatuto on October 4, 2024. This project is financially supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Timor-Leste Ministry of State Administration.
Since its inception in 2020, the ACCESS project has focused on supporting the most vulnerable across 23 villages in 4 provinces in Indonesia (East Nusa Tenggara, West Sulawesi, South-East Sulawesi, and Central Kalimantan), and 25 villages in 3 municipalities in Timor-Leste (Atauro, Bobonaro, and Manatuto). Under the South-South Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) framework, the ACCESS project aims to ensure that communities have access to essential services, including a sustainable supply of electricity and clean water, to protect livelihoods, reduce undernutrition, and build resilience.
The Hatuermera community celebrates the launch of the Solar Water Pomp System.
During the inauguration, the UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Katyna Argueta emphasized the importance of access to safe water, stating, “Water is life. Access to safe water can protect and save lives. When water is closed, it transforms hours spent into time saved. For millions of women, children, and communities, access to safe water can turn challenges into opportunities, unlocking education and improving health and economic prospects. Women, often responsible for collecting water, are disproportionately affected by the water crisis, and this takes valuable time away from home, work, and caring for family.”
H.E. Tomás Cabral, Minister of State Administration, has urged local authorities and the community to collaborate in ensuring that this solar water pump remains operational for an extended period through regular maintenance and reforestation around the water source.
Before the end of this year, UNDP plans to inaugurate another Solar Water Pump System, which will provide water supply to 221 households in Ataúro. Additionally, the installation of a Highly Efficient Solar Lamp System benefited 830 men, 849 women, and 572 students in nine sub-villages, while the construction of the Solar Water Pump will help 382 men and 386 women, as part of the 221 households located in four sub-villages in Ataúro.
The technician detailed the installation process during the inauguration ceremony.
Empowering Local Communities for Sustainability
To ensure the sustainability of the solar water pump, thirty local operators (30% women) from each targeted location received training to develop technical competence in operation and maintenance. This training took place at the Human Resources Development Center for Electrical Power, New and Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation in Jakarta, with support from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources Indonesia. A second round of training was conducted theoretically and practically in each targeted municipality by the EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) Contractors.
The ACCESS project maintains close coordination with national and regional governments to establish a strong institutional framework that will be accountable and take responsibility for the good operation and maintenance of the pump after the project handover.
This coordination starts at the national level, at the Ministry of State Administration, to the regional level, at SMASA: Municipal Service for Water and Sanitation under the Municipal Government, and to Suco and Aldeia Levels.
ACCESS aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), gender equality (SDG 5), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and the aim of eradicating poverty, all of which contribute to a sustainable future for Timor-Leste.