DILI, 22 january 2026 (TATOLI) — Vice Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, has launched a Rural Development and Community Revitalization Program in Ataúro, aimed at strengthening local economic initiatives and supporting sustainable livelihoods on the island.
The program was officially launched on 17 January in Beloi village, in a ceremony attended by the President of Ataúro’s Administrative Authority, Mateus Belo.
It is being implemented in three target villages: Usobemasu in Beloi, Eklae in Vila-Maumeta and Fatulela in Makili.
The initiative supports six community groups mainly engaged in fishing, livestock farming and marine tourism.
In the fisheries sector, the Fitun Laloran group has prepared a support boat to improve fishing activities.
A snorkelling group has acquired a boat and diving equipment to rent to visitors interested in exploring the island’s marine ecosystem.
In livestock farming, the Naroma group is developing pig and poultry production.
Another group, Rental Motor, provides motorbike rental services for visitors travelling around the island.
Speaking at the ceremony, Assanami urged group members to remain committed and to ensure proper management of their activities to secure sustainable returns and improve household incomes.
He also stressed the importance of protecting both the land and marine environment to preserve Ataúro’s natural beauty and maintain its appeal as a tourist destination.
The Vice-Prime Minister said Ataúro remains a government priority and pledged continued investment in local economic development and basic infrastructure.
He highlighted improvements to the island’s road network, which now allows access to previously isolated communities that were once reachable only by sea.
Assanami also pointed to the island’s potential for religious and nature-based tourism linked to its coastline, coral reefs and natural landscapes.
The following day, in his capacity as Coordinating Minister for Social Affairs, Mr Sabino visited two Christian churches under construction on Ataúro.
The projects are receiving financial support from the Office for the Support of Civil Society, which falls under his supervision.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
