DILI, 12 June 2026 (TATOLI) — The governments of Timor-Leste and Australia on Friday inaugurated a six-kilometer fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) road connecting the sucos of Lihu and Railaco Craic in Ermera Municipality, marking the country’s first use of the climate-resilient road technology.
Funded by the Australian government through the PARTISIPA program, the project represents an investment of more than US$454,000 and seeks to promote road construction technologies designed to enhance resilience to climate-related challenges.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Minister of Public Works Samuel Marçal and attended by Australian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Caitlin Wilson and Ermera Municipal Authority President José Martinho dos Santos Soares.
The newly completed road represents the first application of fiber-reinforced concrete technology in Timor-Leste. The system incorporates synthetic polypropylene fibers into concrete, enhancing the strength, durability and longevity of road infrastructure.
Beyond improving transport infrastructure, the road is expected to provide local communities with more reliable access to markets, schools, health facilities and other essential services, particularly during the rainy season when travel conditions often deteriorate.
Constructed by local company Doben over a six-month period, the project included drainage works, road paving, slope stabilization, road signage installation and other measures designed to increase the road’s resilience and lifespan.
Marçal said the pilot project was designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of fiber-reinforced construction materials and serve as a model for future road infrastructure projects nationwide.
“This pilot activity seeks to demonstrate the application of fibers in combination with other construction materials to enhance the quality and resilience of infrastructure,” he said.
The minister added that the government plans to expand the technology to 10 additional locations nationwide through funding from the State Budget.
Ambassador Wilson reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting sustainable infrastructure development in Timor-Leste, emphasizing the importance of climate-resilient transport networks.
Ambassador Wilson said Australia is proud of its partnership with Timor-Leste in developing climate-resilient roads, adding that the introduction of fiber-reinforced concrete technology would help create more durable infrastructure and provide communities with safer and more reliable access.
A similar project is currently under construction in the administrative post of Maubisse in Ainaro Municipality and is expected to be completed later this year.
Lihu Village Chief Bernardo Babo welcomed Australia’s support, saying the new road would improve mobility and strengthen connections between communities in the area.
Francisco de Jesus, a representative of Doben, highlighted the significance of involving national companies in projects that utilize innovative technologies, noting that such initiatives help build local expertise and capacity in modern infrastructure development.
Journalist: Cidalia Fátima
Editor: Armandina Moniz
Translator: Filomeno Martins
