The International Stabilisation Force (ISF) and the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) have partnered with the East Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL) and the United States Navy to reconstruct the Nu Laran school in Dili.
The Engineering Civic Action Program (ENGCAP) is one of many initiatives being conducted throughout Pacific Partnership 10, a US Fleet sponsored mission delivering medical, dental, engineering, and veterinary aid in South East Asia and Oceania.
Rebuilding Nu Laran, which commenced mid-July this year, has seen a dramatic improvement in the primary school’s classrooms, boundary fences, recreation areas and walkways.
“It’s been great working alongside the F-FDTL again; they are incredibly skilled labourers, which has been a godsend to us on these sorts of construction sites.
“It gives me and all the engineers involved a great deal of satisfaction,” ISF Combat Engineer Corporal Andrew Clifford said.
US Navy Seabees Engineering Officer, Lieutenant John Angle, said the coordination, planning and assistance during the project has been very strong.
“We’re only a small detachment, there are only a handful of us, but we’re ahead of schedule and have added in fences and concrete paths.
“It’s been outstanding working with the ISF and F-FDTL,” he said.
Over 70 engineers have contributed to the Nu Laran reconstruction, which will be completed by September 15.