Govt approves DBF contracts for Suai Supply Base and Zumalai-Natarbora Highway

DÍLI, 31 July 2026 (TATOLI) — The Council of Ministers on Wednesday approved the final evaluation reports and contract awards for the Design, Build and Finance (DBF) projects covering the Suai Supply Base and the Zumalai-Natarbora Highway, paving the way for the implementation of two strategic infrastructure developments.

The decisions were made following a proposal submitted by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco da Costa Monteiro.

For the Suai Supply Base (SSB), the Cabinet approved the final evaluation report and awarded the DBF contract to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the winning bidder.

The Council also endorsed the final evaluation report for the DBF project for the Zumalai-Natarbora Highway and approved the award of contracts for all three sections of the road.

The contract for Lot 1, covering the Zumalai-Betano Highway (STA 34+155 to STA 59+767), was awarded to Shanghai Construction Group Co., Ltd. of China.

For Lot 2, which covers the Betano-Uma Berloic Highway (STA 59+767 to STA 85+259), the winning bid was submitted by Liangshan Construction Holding Group Co., Ltd. of China in a joint venture with Beijing Texida Transportation Facilities Consultants Co., Ltd., also of China.

The contract for Lot 3, covering the Berloic-Natarbora Highway (STA 85+259 to STA 110+787), was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

The Suai Supply Base and the Zumalai-Natarbora Highway are key components of the government’s infrastructure development agenda, with the highway expected to strengthen transport connectivity along Timor-Leste’s southern corridor while supporting access to the Suai Supply Base and other strategic economic projects.

TATOLI