A team of Australian volunteers have bought new light to the people of the Aileu District in Timor Leste (East Timor). Eleven members of the Alternative Technology Association (ATA) travelled to Timor Leste in early September to install solar power systems in public buildings in six locations, including the capital Dili, the districts of Aileu, Oecussi, Manatuto, Liquica and the island of Atauro.
The project is supported by the Friends of Aileu – a partnership project of Victoria’s Moreland City Council and Hume City Council and their communities; and by the Echuca based Campaspe Friends of Timor Leste, which has a friendship relationship with the Lequidoe sub district in Aileu.
Councillor for Social Development at the City of Moreland, Alice Pryor, said that Moreland has been part of the Friends of Aileu project since 2002.
“Council is proud to support their activities and efforts to improve conditions in the Aileu District,” she said. “The program is extremely beneficial not only because of the low cost energy being installed, but because locals are being trained to maintain the systems and skills are coming into the area.
“As part of the project we also have sister schools in Aileu and we are very focused on donations of goods such as school equipment. In the future we hope to begin donating more money to the area so that they can buy their own equipment and support local businesses. In doing so the area will become more sustainable.”
The ATA has been involved since 2004, installing lighting systems in five public buildings in the Aileu District.
In September, the team installed solar panels on the roofs and fitted control equipment, wiring and light fittings in each building. The Aileu installations were placed in two health clinics (Maurusa and Lequidoe), a community hall (Hoholau), church (Lequitura) and at the district administration office.
Friends of Aileu supplied all equipment for the project, which was paid for by donations and contributions by industry sponsors. ATA volunteers paid for their own travel and accommodation costs.
For further information contact Councillor Alice Pryor on 0427 505 582.
