ERMERA, 25 March 2025 (TATOLI)– Today the Government of Timor-Leste, represented by Marçal, Minister of Public Works, together with the Government of Australia, represented by the Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Caitlin Wilson, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Lihu-Samalete, Ermera, Fibre Reinforced Concrete Pavement (FRC) Road demonstration project.
The President of Ermera Municipality, José Martins dos Santos Soares, and representatives of the Ministry of State Administration were also in attendance. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the start of this demonstration project and is the first time FRC technology has been used in Timor-Leste.
The project will see the construction of 2km of road using fiber-reinforced concrete, upgrading parts of existing earthen and gravel roads to a more durable, climate-resilient surface designed to withstand extreme weather.
The Ministry of Public Works, jointly with Municipal Public Works, will oversee implementation, with support from PARTISIPA for technical assistance and project management. The project is managed by a committee made up of the Ministry of Public Works, Municipal Public Works, the Australian Embassy in Timor-Leste, and PARTISIPA (a partnership program of Australia and Timor-Leste for subnational governance).
The initiative aligns with Timor-Leste’s Strategic Development Plan and the IX Constitutional Government’s Program, which prioritizes rehabilitating national, regional, and urban roads, including through the use of local contractors for rural road projects.
A more sustainable road network can support improved connectivity, greater access to services, and accelerate economic development. Once proven through the demonstration project, FRC technology can be expanded to other road projects, helping to create a more climate-resilient road network across Timor-Leste.
“This program is the first stage of the joint work between the Ministry of Public Works and PARTISIPA to improve the quality of projects through the use of reinforced concrete and fiber and will be further improved for other services in the future.”
“Australia is pleased to work with Timor-Leste to demonstrate this climate-resilient road technology. Durable roads are critical for Timor-Leste’s social and economic development,” Ambassador Caitlin Wilson said.
TATOLI
