WFP-MoH Manleuana Market handwashing facility strengthens health safety measures for buyers and sellers

By Gilberta Tilman Madeira Soares

Communications Associate

WFP Timor-Leste

“It is because of the water tanks installed by the World Food Programme and the Ministry of Health that we are able to maintain hygiene and keep the market open which provides vital income to hundreds of families daily”, said Julio Caldas, the manager of Mercado Manleuana Market in Dili. “These water tanks are our lifeline for personal hygiene and handwashing of sellers and buyers during COVID19 emergency”.

Julio is responsible to keep the market operating during this emergency because this market is primary sources of income for many households. While allowing the market to operate, he is also aware of the safety of the vendors and the buyers within the market.

With the declaration of State of Emergency on March 28^th by the Timor-Leste Government due to Covid-19 pandemic, the movements of public transportation have been stopped, the activities in the city is limited, including economic activities, which has automatically affected the economy of the population in general.

In coordination with relevant authorities, the market management has taken precautionary safety measures. These measures are implemented by allowing consumers to enter the market from two access gates out of the total four gates to enter and exit the market in order to easily do the monitoring. Additionally, two hand-washing tanks are also placed at the entrance of these two gates.

“At Manleuna Market, we have set rule that should be obeyed”, said Julio. “People that enter the market should wash their hands and wear masks. I have also asked every vendor to put water and soap too in front of their huts. And soon, we will be implementing measures managing a limited number of people to enter the market.”

He further said, “I and my colleagues are really happy with the initiative of the government and World Food Programme installing the water tanks within the Market, it is very good idea indeed. Right now, everyone here is taking handwashing very seriously. This pandemic has changed people’s behaviours to live more hygienically, which is great!”

WFP Timor-Leste is supporting the Ministry of Health’s efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19. One of these contributions is installing ten water tanks at various public places for easy and frequent hand-washing, including one tank at Manleuna Market. Other tanks have been installed at Cathedral Church, Becora Church, Motael Church, Surikmas Church, Diocese Dili, Balide Church, Largo Licedere, CCD, and Taibesi Market.