CSBP has donated a range of personal protective equipment (PPE) to volunteers from the Rotary Club of Kwinana who will fly to East Timor in October to install a well to provide clean drinking water to people living in the remote village of Lautem, six hours drive from the capital, Dili.

The project will see the eight volunteers install a tube well, hand pump and construct a concrete slab to prevent surface contamination.

According to Kwinana Rotarian and East Timor project leader James Sharkey, the work undertaken by the volunteers means the village of Lautem will have a reliable source of clean drinking water, with villagers also gaining a greater understanding of water management within their community.

“Fresh drinking water is a key issue for the villagers of Lautem with most other sources being quite shallow and contaminated,” Mr Sharkey said.

“The installation of a deeper bore will provide access to clean drinking water that is readily available to all villagers through an easy to operate pump system.

“Part of the project will be assisting the villagers in establishing small water committees that will be responsible for maintaining the pump and bore we install, as well as teaching them how to install similar wells so that the quality of drinking water remains good once we’ve left.

“Being in such a remote area we’ve recognised that it’s important for all the volunteers to be equipped with appropriate gear to get the job done safely so we’re really pleased that CSBP was able to lend some support and donate safety equipment for us all.

“Any additional funds that we raise between now and October will be put towards upgrades to the local village’s school facility, things like installing doors and putting mesh on windows to provide basic comforts and a more comfortable learning environment for the students.”

Donations to the Rotary Club of Kwinana’s East Timor project can be made by contacting East Timor project leader James Sharkey on 9592 4987.

A major manufacturer and supplier of chemicals, fertilisers and related services, CSBP Limited is a part of Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers.

Media contact: Chloe Holland 0429 201 696, or cholland@wescef.com.au