The Belt and Road Initiative bore new fruit in Timor-Leste as the Construction of Watuwa/Modobuti Irrigation Scheme, a major agricultural infrastructure undertaking constructed by China Nuclear Industry 22nd Construction Co, Ltd (CNI22), officially broke ground on Saturday. This project is seen as a milestone in significantly boosting Timor-Leste's farmland irrigation coverage and substantially increasing farmers' incomes. 

Spanning 1,219 hectares, the Construction of Watuwa/Modobuti Irrigation Scheme is expected to be completed by 2028. It promises to double the income of farmers along its route and transform Timor-Leste's reliance on natural water systems for irrigation. With over 85 percent of water resources under controlled irrigation, the project will greatly enhance farmland irrigation coverage, promote sustainable agricultural development, and support Timor-Leste's goal of agricultural modernization.

Timor-Leste's agriculture has long depended on natural rainfall, resulting in low irrigation rates and unstable crop yields. The project, technically complex, encompasses a river dam, canal systems, and sedimentation channels.

On April 18, 2025, CNI22 signed the contract for the Construction of Watuwa/Modobuti Irrigation Scheme with Timor-Leste's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Forestry. This initiative not only establishes a new "river of life" for Timor-Leste but also exemplifies the deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Timor-Leste, contributing to a shared future for neighboring countries.

As one of the earliest Chinese enterprises to enter the Timor-Leste market, CNI22 has played a pivotal role in the country's infrastructure development. It has undertaken the construction and operation of Timor-Leste's largest power infrastructure project, the Timor-Leste's national grid, delivering advanced technology, expertise, and job opportunities.

To date, Timor-Leste's national grid has achieved an annual power transmission capacity of 540,000 MWh, maintained nearly 5,000 days of safe operations, and transmitted a cumulative 6 million MWh. This has provided a steady power supply for Timor-Leste's economic growth, bringing light to over 1.3 million residents and establishing itself as the country's most reliable and largest power transmission hub, significantly contributing to socioeconomic development and improved livelihoods.

Beyond the local national grid, CNI22 has undertaken several key projects vital to Timor-Leste's development, including the Laclubar-Natabora national highway upgrading and maintenance project, the Manatuto municipal water supply project, and the 23-km Alas-Wedaubreke urban road rehabilitation project.

While advancing Timor-Leste's infrastructure, CNI22 has also integrated into local development, donating multimedia classrooms and equipment to schools, organizing and participating in charitable activities, and providing essential supplies to those in need.

Dai Linfeng, manager of CNI22's Timor-Leste branch, stated that "CNI22 is committed to serving Timor-Leste's socioeconomic development and improving livelihoods. Through infrastructure and municipal projects, we have made significant contributions, bringing Chinese technology, expertise, and solutions to deliver tangible benefits to the people of Timor-Leste."