Author: Michel Timmreck

The Project Preparation & Implementation Programme for Timor-Leste (PPIP) aims to support the identification, preparation, and implementation of technical, financial, economic, environmental, and social investment projects in the sectors of solid waste, forestry, water supply, sanitation, and drainage. Solid waste management is a severe challenge for the country, causing serious problems such as drainage stormwater pollution and channel blockages, leading to flooding. The Clean Ocean Initiative intends to find a solution to these challenges. Accurate data is an important aspect of this project, therefore, a waste study between 9th and 18th May 2023 was conducted in the towns of Suai (Covalima Municipality), Maliana (Bobonaro Municipality), and Baucau. The goal was to identify the level of generation and composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) produced by households and contribute to the provision of baseline data for the PPIP and the Government of Timor-Leste to develop a sustainable solid waste management system, policy, and strategy.

From July to August our Key Forest Expert Joachim Kirchhoff underwent his 2nd assignment. This article provides an update about the recent development and activities within the Forestry section of the PPIP project.

Currently, the focus of the Forestry Team will be the presentation of the project design in selected municipalities and sucos, mainly Covalima and Bobonaro. The feedback from local leaders is urgently needed and will be integrated in the final project design. PPIP’s approach will foster project ownership and always ensures full beneficiary participation at all levels and within the project cycle.

Completion of Capacity Building for Grant Funding Documentation

An important milestone in the project progress has been the finalization of the Technical Assistance (TA) Paper on Capacity Building for Grant Funding. This draft paper underwent thorough review, circulation, and in-depth discussions with our team leaders and key stakeholders. Following invaluable input and revisions, we have successfully refined the paper, which now stands as a foundational component of the forthcoming Feasibility Study (FS) Report. Its significance lies in its role as a prerequisite for the seamless execution of the loan project.

Progress in Identifying Suitable Land for Commercial Plantations and Final Selection

Since May 2023, our focus has been on the process of identifying and selecting land suitable for commercial plantations. Since then, we could witness a notable progress. Regular consultations with DG Raimundo and careful evaluation of data have resulted in the identification and securement of over 10,000 hectares for this purpose. This accomplishment is a direct result of the ongoing Community-Demand Driven Land Reclassification initiative, which remains in progress. Further, to ensure a sustainable approach in the forestry project in Timor-Leste we put effort to secure confirmation letters from municipalities and local stakeholders.

Promoting Financial Collaboration for Smallholder Empowerment

Within the financial collaboration we faced some challenges by identifying commercial banks willing to establish deposit accounts for smallholders. Nevertheless, we have made progress by initiating dialogue with five banks in Dili. Encouragingly, three banks have shown interest in this collaboration, aligning with our objective of enhancing financial inclusion within our target communities.

Strategic Innovations in Carbon Trading and Sustainability

Another aspect of our initiative involves the design of a pragmatic carbon trading system. Collaborative engagements with Bhuddi Kunwar and the EU Technical Assistance team have resulted in comprehensive discussions and insights. We are enthusiastic about the potential of this initiative to yield both environmental and economic benefits.

Prominent Steps in Project Awareness and Outreach

We are actively working to spread awareness about the objectives, scope, and benefits of our project. To achieve this, we are diligently preparing a pamphlet that will outline these aspects. This informative material will be endorsed by relevant ministries and distributed to selected municipalities and sucos. This is an important part of our ongoing public awareness campaign. Our achievements are the result of successful collaboration, dynamic partnerships, and a shared commitment to achieving transformative change. Looking ahead, we are focused on reaching significant milestones such as the completion of the Feasibility Study Report, targeted field visits, and further enhancing our strategies for engaging stakeholders. We are excited to achieve sustainable and impactful outcomes in the forestry sector by combining our holistic approach with out community involvement. The third assignment of the Key Forestry Expert in November 2023 will include (i) drafting of the Feasibility Study Report; (ii) selected field visits in the selected target areas, (iii) assessment of the stakeholder participation process, and (iv) assisting the Team Leader (Economist) in finalizing the Cost and Financing Plan.

The Project Preparation & Implementation Programme for Timor-Leste (PPIP) aims to support the identification, preparation, and implementation of technical, financial, economic, environmental, and social investment projects in the sectors of solid waste, forestry, water supply, sanitation, and drainage. Solid waste management is a severe challenge for the country, causing serious problems such as drainage stormwater pollution and channel blockages, leading to flooding. The Clean Ocean Initiative intends to find a solution to these challenges. Accurate data is an important aspect of this project, therefore, a waste study between 9th and 18th May 2023 was conducted in the towns of Suai (Covalima Municipality), Maliana (Bobonaro Municipality), and Baucau. The goal was to identify the level of generation and composition of municipal solid waste (MSW) produced by households and contribute to the provision of baseline data for the PPIP and the Government of Timor-Leste to develop a sustainable solid waste management system, policy, and strategy.

In general, the Municipal Water, Sanitation, and Environment Services (SMASAs) are responsible for waste management in the three research locations. However, their waste collection services are very limited and are conducted through contracted service suppliers. Ordinary trucks without any compacting or lifting arrangements are used to collect waste from temporary waste collection points (TPS) and dispose of them in non-authorised dumps. Waste collection only covers a small portion of the towns, including some public areas and institutions, but no private households are serviced.

The study was conducted in the most densely populated areas of the three municipalities, with a total of 300 households selected, 100 from each municipality. The selection of study areas and participating households and waste producers was done in collaboration with the City Governments (SMASAs). The study was conducted over a period of three weeks, resulting in a total of 2,100 samples collected for the three municipalities. During the waste study, respondents were instructed to gather all waste as they would normally dispose of it in a delivered trash bag, without burning anything or throwing anything to the river/ditch/ or elsewhere. The waste collection was conducted every day over a seven-day period in each of the three towns. The team collected the waste in labelled trash bags, either directly from the doorstep of the households or from a point at the main road to which the households agreed to bring their waste. Each trash bag was recorded (weight and origin) and then all bags were brought to a central place where segregation took place based on physical properties, and the labelled trash bag was distributed to collect the waste for the next day. The following figure summarizes the waste composition of the samples:

Conclusions

The waste audits conducted in May 2023 in Baucau, Maliana, and Suai, Timor-Leste, covering 300 households for a week, revealed the following conclusions:

• Waste collection service is generally unavailable in the municipalities, and only a small portion of the town streets are serviced by the municipal waste service.
• The communities in the three municipalities mostly manage waste by burning it, and a significant amount of waste is dumped in backyards or into the nearest rivers, which eventually ends up in the ocean.
• Suai has the largest waste generation among households/residential areas, followed by Baucau and Maliana. The overall unit generation rate for the study area is estimated at 0.23 kg/cap/day.
• Green waste constitutes the largest portion of the MSW in all project sites, but no composting activities take place.
• Food waste is virtually non-existent in the MSW, as it is used as fodder for domestic animals.
• High-value materials are present in the waste in large quantities but are not collected for recycling.
• Some textiles and rubber waste are present in the MSW in some project areas due to second-hand market activities for imported clothes and shoes.

Recommendations:

The Timorese Government is responsible for providing adequate and efficient waste management services, including waste reduction and sustainable solid waste management. The circular economy concept should be adopted to create economic opportunities, reduce waste generation, maximize resource efficiency, and minimize environmental impact. Community participation and engagement are encouraged to empower local communities, increase environmental awareness, and foster a sense of ownership and pride in waste management efforts. Customized approaches, supportive policies, capacity building, infrastructure development, and partnerships with local communities, businesses, and NGOs are key to successful implementation. International cooperation and support can also play an important role in helping low-income countries adopt circular economy practices and realize their benefits.

The Project Preparation and Identification Programme (PPIP) in Timor-Leste is making significant strides in identifying, assessing, and preparing various projects related to water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, and forestry. The recent completion of the Pre-Feasibility Study phase of the Solid Waste project marks another milestone in the country’s efforts towards sustainable waste management. This update highlights the key findings and progress made during the mission carried out by the key expert for solid waste management Jan Skaaja from April 23 to May 5, 2023. 

Mission Objectives and Composition 

During this mission, Jan Skajaa (Key Expert for Solid Waste Management) collaborated closely with the local expert Mr. Fernandinho Costa Corbafo Noronha and the rest of the team. The primary objectives were to secure and verify sites for regional sanitary landfills and other waste installations, engage with stakeholders through information activities, and initiate field work and waste audits. The mission report provides a comprehensive overview of the findings and outlines the next steps for the project. 

KEY MISSION FINDINGS 

Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Management System 

One of the significant achievements of the mission was the identification of two sites for regional landfills: Suco Vermasse located in Baucau district, and Cassa, situated in Ainaro district. Local stakeholders, including municipal authorities, have verbally confirmed these proposed sites. However, it was emphasized that cultural and heritage considerations needed to be considered, particularly in Cassa. To address this concern, an agreement was reached with the local population to protect a cultural point of interest near the proposed landfill site. 

In Baucau, a meeting was conducted with representatives from the Baucau Municipal Administration and relevant organizations to finalize the location of the site in Suco Vemasse for the Eastern landfill. The site visit confirmed its suitability, and design work has been progressing based on topographical mapping received from the Municipal Planning Office (MPO). The process of obtaining formal documents to secure the land for landfill development is currently underway. 

The team has also been actively engaging with municipal administrations across Timor-Leste, disseminating the pre-feasibility study reports and discussing proposed investments. Meetings have taken place with the Cassa local authority, Bobonaro Municipal Authority, Administrative Post Assembly of Vemasse, Aileu Municipal Administration, Manatuto Municipal Administration, Lautém Municipal Administration, Viqueque Municipal Administration, Manufahi Municipal Administration, Covalima Municipal Administration, and Ainaro Municipal Administration. 

Furthermore, the team has identified the scope of work for essential environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA) studies for the waste installations.  

Next Steps and Mission 

Several key activities have been planned for the period between the current mission and the next one. These activities include securing landfills sites through formal documentation, finalizing agreements with the PMO GIS department for topographical surveys, identifying sub-suppliers for soil investigations, and continuing efforts to identify sites for transfer stations, Centralized Accumulation Centers (CACs), Deposit Return System (DRS) stations, and Health Care Risk Waste treatment facilities. 

Additionally, two workshops are planned to be conducted during the next mission. The first workshop will focus on the institutional structure for implementing PPIP investments, including the organization of the proposed deposit return system and discussions on tariffs and cost recovery. The second workshop will involve the Ministry of Health, SAMES, and referral hospital managements to address questions related to HCRW treatment facilities. 

As the project progresses towards its goals, the next mission for the solid waste management team is planned for 28th June – 7th July 2023. With continued efforts and collaboration between stakeholders, Timor-Leste is steadily moving forward in its pursuit of an efficient and sustainable solid waste management system.