DILI, 26 january 2026 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste has officially launched the rehabilitation projects of the road linking Gleno, the capital of Ermera Municipality, with the Administrative Post of Letefoho, as well as the Gleno Urban Road.
The ceremony took place on monday in Eraulu village, Letefoho Administrative Post, with contracts signed by Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, and representatives of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, World Bank Representative in Timor-Leste, David Freedman, the President of Ermera Municipal Authority, José Martinho dos Santos attended the event.
The Gleno–Letefoho road spans more than 84 kilometres. It includes 30.23 km within Letefoho and 54.37 km from Gleno to Letefoho.
The one-year project, costing $38.8 million, will be built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation.
Meanwhile, the Gleno Urban Road and its drainage system will be built in two phases over one year. The first phase will cost $2.64 million, and the second $3.21 million. Both phases will be carried out by Shabryca Construction Company.
The President of the Ermera Municipal Authority, José Martinho dos Santos welcomed the contract signing on behalf of the Ermera community, thanking all parties involved in bringing the project to this stage.
He said the project is expected to benefit more than 554,000 people across six administrative areas in Ermera.
Minister Marçal said the project required a lengthy preparation process, including technical studies, design, legal reviews, and procurement procedures in accordance with regulations.
David Freedman of the World Bank said the Gleno–Letefoho road is part of a financing package of up to $59 million, agreed between the Government of Timor-Leste, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Finance, and the World Bank.
The launch marks a major milestone in Ermera’s infrastructure development. The roads are expected to improve mobility, boost the local economy, and raise living standards for local residents.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Translation: Filomeno Martins
