Inauguration Ceremony for “The Programme for Urgent Rehabilitation of Flood Damaged Infrastructures in Timor-Leste”
2023.10.27
Your Excellency Minister Samuel Marcal, Ministry of Public Works,
Your Excellency Minister Marcos da Cruz, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry,
Your Excellency Tetsuya Kimura, Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste,
Officials of the Timor-Leste Government and Development Partners,
Distinguished Guests,
Boa Tarde.
I am honored to be here today to celebrate the completion of "The Programme for Urgent Rehabilitation of Flood Damaged Infrastructures in Timor-Leste". I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for your tremendous efforts in completing this project ahead of schedule.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Public Works, Bee Timor-Leste, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Idea Consultants, Sanyu Consultants, Ingerosec Corporation, and TOBISHIMA Corporation for their contributions.
As we all know, Cyclone Seroja struck Timor-Leste in April 2021 and caused significant damage that included the extensive loss of lives and homes. In response to a request for our cooperation from the Timor-Leste government, JICA quickly drew on Japan’s expertise in disaster recovery and initiated support to restore damaged infrastructure.
This project has four important components: the Buluto Irrigation Facility, Maliana Irrigation Facility, Bemos Water Facility, and the Comoro River Retaining Wall. All were developed with Japanese grant aid or through related initiatives. Because this project embodies the vision of “Build Back Better", these rehabilitated facilities will be able to withstand major disasters well into the future.
I am confident that by supporting public services and agricultural production in rural areas, these four rehabilitated facilities will help foster economic recovery and enhance living standards for the people of Buluto, Maliana, Dili, and other affected regions.
I am particularly impressed with the restoration of the Buluto Irrigation Facility, which I visited today. I understand it is essential not only to improve incomes from agriculture, a vital means of livelihood for almost 500 households in the Vemasse and Laleia areas, but also to expand the limited supply of rice in Timor-Leste. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to witness the refurbishment of this critical piece of infrastructure.
As JICA’s president, I assure you we will continue our impactful cooperation in Timor-Leste across several sectors. We will work with you hand in hand to develop socioeconomic infrastructure as well as human resources, diversify industry, and strengthen the delivery of indispensable social services.
In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude once again to all of you for your initiative, leadership, and contributions to this project. Your dedication and hard work have made a significant impact on the lives of many Timorese. Let us continue to work together to build a brighter future for your wonderful country and people.
Obrigadu barak.
＼SNSでシェア！／
scroll