MANATUTO, 02 August 2025 (TATOLI) – Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, stated that the IX Constitutional Government remains committed to responding to community concerns about basic infrastructure, particularly the condition and normalization of rural roads.
“The road project linking Natarbora to Fatuberliu and Lakluta is nearly complete. In the near future, we will hold a ground-breaking ceremony to continue the route toward Fatuberliu,” said Minister Marçal, speaking to journalists following the ceremonial launch of the Lamara Bridge construction in Umaboku, Natarbora.
Local resident Sebastião da Costa from Umaboku village – located within the Barique Administrative Post in Timor-Leste’s Manatuto Municipality (One of Timor-Leste’s most geographically diverse regions, stretching from the Wetar Strait in the north to the Timor Sea in the south), urged the government to continue rehabilitating roads linking administrative posts to surrounding villages, citing serious deterioration that hampers mobility.
“The road from Manatuto town to Natarbora center is in relatively good condition-it’s been paved with asphalt up to the police station. But roads from the center to the villages and sub-villages remain in poor shape,” he explained.
“Our main concern is roads and bridges. Everything we do –from traveling to trading –depends on them,” he told reporters in Umaboku.
Da Costa added that the government has long planned major development in Natarbora, including mineral exploration, and that road upgrades are crucial to avoid disruptions during movement and future coastal tourism.
Manatuto Municipal Authority President, Luís Fernandes, echoed these concerns, noting that while the road from Dili to Manatuto town is mostly serviceable, rural connectors remain inadequate.
“I believe that with the Minister’s visit, we can expect real improvements. Since mineral extraction will begin here, it’s important to ensure safe, reliable roads for all community activities,” Fernandes said.
Journalist: Alexandra da Costa
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
