On 18 June 2014, Vice Prime Minister Dr. Fernando Lasama inaugurated two PNDS projects in Humboe village in Ermera district. The community in Humboe chose clean water supply and a community center as their highest priorities, and these were funded and built through the PNDS program.
In his speech to the community and invited guests, the Vice PM said, “We have started something new, something where you make it happen. You yourselves choose what is needed here, what is most urgent here, through the [PNDS] system … and we can see the good results.”
He added, “This is a great step forward. It gives confidence to us all, that not everything needs to be expensive … we can build something to a good quality, at a price that is not excessively high. Congratulations to everyone, to those in government, local authorities and the community.”
Since independence, Humboe village has seen many projects from the government and national development partners, but the implementation of these projects have been done directly by the private sector.
Calistro Madeira, who is president of the Planning and Accountability Commission on the PNDS Community Management Team, said: “We are proud of the PNDS program because through this program we can develop our own village. In implementing PNDS projects we the community identify priorities, make plans, purchase construction materials, manage our own budget, and do our own maintenance.”
Vincent Ashcroft, representing Australian Aid, also congratulated everyone involved in work on PNDS, including the Ministry of State Administration and Ministry of Finance who worked closely with advisors funded by Australia: “By the month of August every village in the country will be actively engaged with the PNDS program, and this is an enormous achievement. You can feel very proud, and we are proud to work together on this important program.” The Vice PM also thanked the government and people of Australia who have helped PNDS: “This cooperation has been excellent, you fully understand what we need and are able to deliver. Thank you very much to our brothers and sisters in Australia.”
Suku Humboe – , total annual grant = $45,000.00. Operational funds = $5,250.00, and infrastructure = $39,750.00.
Construction of water system – $23,749.43
Construction of multi-purpose community center – $15,966.68
Seventy two households, made up of 350 people, will benefit from these two projects.
- Vice Prime Minister Dr. Fernando Lasama and Australian Aid representative Vincent Ashcroft cut the ribbon on the new community centre
- Vice Prime Minister Dr. Fernando Lasama opens the new clean water system, with Australian Aid representative Vincent Ashcroft.
- New multi-purpose community center in Humboe