DILI, 18 july 2023 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, presents his government’s infrastructure development program to the National Parliament for approval, which is essential to support national development.
Gusmão revealed that investments in key infrastructure are crucial to boost national development to ensure social capital improvement, economic growth, job creation, and institutional consolidation.
In his presentation, Gusmão highlighted the importance of the maintenance and normalization of damaged roads across the country.
He said the development of roads linking administrative posts and towns in six municipalities (Ainaro, Baucau, Bobonaro, Ermera, Lautem, and Viqueque) would be highly considered in the Government’s infrastructure development program.
Gusmão also presents the government’s plan to invest in drinking water and sanitation infrastructure, intending to create the necessary conditions for public health and improve the well-being of the population. The implementation of this program aims to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, which is to ensure access to water and sanitation for all.
Meanwhile, the government also plans to bring electricity to communities that do not yet have electricity: “We will carry out a feasibility study for the electrification of the Ataúro island.”
“The IX Government will create the Renewable Natural Resources Office, which will carry out actions at the inter-ministerial level for the implementation of renewable energy projects in the country, including management, monitoring, and evaluation,” Gusmão said.
With the renewable energy program, the Government will implement renewable energy pilot projects such as wind power in Lariguto village of Viqueque municipality and Bobonaro and solar energy systems in Dili.
The IX Government is also committed to accelerating the implementation of fiber optic projects to ensure internet connection to all populations.
In terms of investment in land, air, and sea transport, Gusmão’s government has promised to revise the road code, improve the port of Com in the municipality of Lautem and Atauro island, build a new port in Kairabela in Baucau Municipality to facilitate tourism activities, conduct a feasibility study for the construction of the Manatuto port, transform the Dili port into a cruise port and develop the international airport of Dili.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
