Eddie De Pina and the Bakhita Water Team undertook this project in the Ermera Municipality, Ermera Sub district, LAUANA VILLAGE.  The intention of the project was to provide a water supply to the school and village of Lauana. Children and women were walking roughly 1.5 kilometres up a mountain carrying 5 litre bottles to fetch water from an isolated spring.
 
The project involved partially damming the spring above the village, constructing a concrete reservoir in which to hold the water and then running pipes from the dam to holding tanks above the school, Large tanks were installed at the primary school in the village and from the school the water distribution was provided to other parts of the village community.  Tap stands were placed both at the school and at groups of houses.

Approximately 30 houses within the village with a population of 210 people benefited from access to clean water and also 503 students at the primary school and preschool.  School children from other nearby villages attending these schools also benefited accessing clean drinking water.

This project was particularly difficult as it was undertaken when Timor Leste were trying to keep Covid 19 at bay. Our gratitude and congratulations goes to Eddie da Pina and his Bahkita Water Team and the community of Lauana for initiating and undertaking a safe project.

WET conducted a wonderful and successful fundraising event “MEET THE AUTHORS” on 21 February 2021 at Cafe Lava.  Our guests at the fundraiser were International and Australian bestselling author Ms Heather Morris and Warrnambool’s very own Dr Bill Bateman, in conversation with former ABC Melbourne radio presenter Mr Derek Guille. 

​​We were fortunate to have a full house at the event with such a star studded cast and raised $9000.00 in order for WET to undertake future water and sanitation projects in rural and remote villages in Timor Leste. Sincere and grateful thanks to our guests for their generosity of time and self, our audience were thrilled to have them with us. 

Our thanks also go to local businesses who generously donated goods as prizes in our raffle which was conducted on the day: these are local businesses with a community spirit! 
​  - Cally Hotel,         - Capitol Cinema,         - The Pavilion,       - Sri Agri Kitchen (Sri Lankan Food) 
 
Collins Booksellers generously donated money from each book that was sold on the day!
A sincere thank you also to the manager of Collins, Ms Michaelie Clarke for her assistance in the promotion of the event which was truly appreciated.  Thanks also to the staff and management of Café Lava – we really appreciate the effort everyone went to making this day a success.

 To Individuals who provided donations a sincere thank you for your kindness and generosity.