UNDP Joint Monitoring with the Government partners and Japan

"Stakeholders assess progress on maternity health and water supply infrastructure in Liquiçá to enhance rural community resilience."

August 11, 2025

A diverse group of people posing together in a lush, green forest setting. — Monitoring team composed of representatives from the Ministry of State Administration, the Ministry of Health, the Embassy of Japan to Timor-Leste, and UNDP at the Water Supply Systems at Suco Vatuboro, in the Municipality of Liquica.

Edy Ramos/ UNDP Timor-leste

Liquica, 29 July 2025 – The joint monitoring was conducted with representatives of the Ministry of State Administration, the Ministry of Health, the Embassy of Japan, and UNDP at two construction sites of community infrastructures implemented by the UNDP Community Infrastructure for Resilience Project (CIReP).

The joint monitoring aims to ensure quality assurance, accountability, and collaborative oversight of the field implementation by involving multiple stakeholders. The team observed two project sites - the construction of Maternity Health Center and Water Supply Systems in Maubara, Liquica Municipalities, located to the west of Dili.

The ongoing rehabilitation of Maternity Health Center at Suco Vaviquinha in the Municipality of Liquica. This is currently at 95 % completion.

Edy Ramos/ UNDP Timor-leste

While monitoring the construction of Maternity Health Center, Mr. Filomeno N. Sampaio, Chief of the Maternity Department in the Ministry of Health, addressed the increasing demands for medical facilities in rural communities:

“This infrastructure will be the largest maternity health center in Maubara district. Communities, particularly women in rural areas, have been eagerly awaiting this project for a long time due to their limited access to maternity care.”

A group of people engaged in discussion near a blue structure in a forested area. — The maintenance mechanism for community infrastructures was actively discussed at the Water Supply Systems (reservoir tank) at Suco Vatuboro, in the Municipality of Liquica.

Edy Ramos/ UNDP Timor-Leste

On the other hand, the construction of the Water Supply System involves the installation of a capture tank, a reservoir tank, crossing pipes, and 11 public taps in community areas.

The importance of infrastructure maintenance was emphasized by Mr. Emilio Soares da Silva Pinheiro, Chief of Support for the Execution of Municipal Investments (AIEIM) in the Minister of State Administration:

“Community engagement is essential to strengthen the sustainability of infrastructures and the conservation of natural resources. We greatly appreciate the UNDP’s initiative and their hands-on efforts to bring real changes into rural communities.”

A group of people in a lush forest, one pointing to a suspended cable or structure. — Functionality of the Water Supply Systems (crossing pipe ) was explained by the project engineers at Suco Vatuboro, in the Municipality of Liquica.

Edy Ramos/ UNDP Timor-Leste

Ms. Minako Tateno, the Third Secretary of the Embassy of Japan to Timor-Leste, added:

“On behalf of the Government of Japan, I am pleased to witness the ongoing progress of the construction and the tangible impact on rural communities facilitated by UNDP.”

Group of people engaged in discussion outdoors, surrounded by greenery and rocky terrain. — The monitoring team visited community beneficiaries who gained access to water at Suco Vatuboro, in the Municipality of Liquica.

Edy Ramos/ UNDP Timor-Leste

Ms. Antonina dos Santos, a beneficiary of the water supply system, described a significant transformation in her daily life:

“My family used to walk for an hour to collect water, but now we can simply turn on a tap installed in the community area. I use the water for growing vegetables and doing household chores.”

Woman in blue top and patterned skirt collecting water at a well in a lush, green setting. — Ms, Antonina do Santos, a community beneficiary, uses water for house farming and chores.

Edy Ramos/ UNDP Timor-leste

UNDP will continue to work closely with the Government partners and Japan to advance a sustainable future for all.

About the Project:

The Community Infrastructure for Resilience Project (CIREP) (2023–2027) strengthens rural resilience by improving community infrastructure and expanding access to essential services in education, health, water, and sanitation. With financial support of US$5 million from the Government of Japan, the project will implement 46 new or rehabilitated community infrastructures in Bobonaro, Ermera, Liquiça, and RAEOA (Oé-Cusse).