Lakes Entrance and Hawthorn Rotary clubs have successfully brought clean drinking water to Calcassa village in Timor-Leste. The project involved installing a Disaster Aid SkyHydrant water filtration system with Rotary Projects Timor-Leste East providing supplementary support to complete the installation. This project aligns with our history of water and sanitation projects in Timor-Leste. The collaboration strengthens ties between Rotary clubs while making a meaningful impact in our region.
Project impact
The SkyHydrant unit is serving both the school community and local villagers with clean, safe drinking water. Photos from the installation show children using the new water tap, while community members and the installation crew celebrate this vital addition to their infrastructure.
The strategic placement within the school grounds ensures the equipment remains protected while providing easy access for the entire community. The school has become a central hub for access to clean water, allowing families to collect safe drinking water for their households throughout the day.
Technology that works
The gravity-fed ultrafiltration system requires no electricity or complex maintenance, making it ideal for rural communities. Capable of producing up to 1,000 litres per hour from local water sources, the unit has replaced reliance on potentially contaminated supplies that previously posed health risks.
Simple daily cleaning procedures, taking just minutes to complete, ensure the system remains effective long-term. The school principal and community leaders have established maintenance protocols, creating local ownership and sustainability for this vital resource.
Partnership in action
Bruce Hurley, Director of International Services at Lakes Entrance Rotary, coordinated this joint initiative with equal contributions from both participating clubs. The partnership has not only strengthened inter-club relationships but also delivered measurable benefits to a community in genuine need.
On-ground coordination through the Rotary Club of Dili proved essential, with local team members Judite from the Dili Rotary Office and construction supervisor Max ensuring smooth implementation and strong community engagement. Disaster Aid Australia provided crucial technical expertise throughout the installation process.
Why this matters?
Access to clean water remains one of the most fundamental challenges facing communities in our region. Waterborne diseases can devastate families, keep children out of school, and trap communities in cycles of illness.
By providing clean water access through the SkyHydrant system, we're helping to:
- Reduce waterborne illnesses.
- Improve school attendance.
- Enhance overall community health.
- Create a foundation for other community support projects.
Looking forward
This successful installation demonstrates the effectiveness of SkyHydrant technology in remote locations and validates the partnership model between Australian Rotary clubs and local Timorese organisations. The project serves as a foundation for future water initiatives and strengthens ongoing relationships with communities in our region.
Special thanks to Noel Halford for initiating this wonderful project.