PM Gusmão launches US$43.2 million road rehabilitation project in Atsabe
DÍLI, 30 October 2026 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão has launched a US$43.2 million road rehabilitation project covering a 48.93-kilometre stretch linking Letefoho, Atsabe and Lourba administrative posts in the municipalities of Ermera and Bobonaro.
Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by Public Works Minister Samuel Marçal, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony in Atsabe, Ermera municipality, on October 30, marking the start of a project aimed at improving road connectivity and access to essential services for rural communities.
The rehabilitation is expected to improve transportation between the three administrative posts, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce to markets and provide communities with better access to schools and healthcare facilities.
The project forms part of the Ninth Constitutional Government’s priorities to upgrade the national road network and strengthen connections between rural communities.
In July 2025, the Council of Ministers approved the expenditure and procurement process for the project, alongside three other road rehabilitation initiatives. These include the Maliana–Cailaco–Marobo Bridge and Bobonaro–Lolotoe road sections in Bobonaro municipality, as well as the urban road network in Liquiçá municipality.
Speaking at the ceremony, Xanana Gusmão called on local communities, particularly young people, to monitor the construction process and take responsibility for protecting the infrastructure once completed.
He stressed that the investment came from public funds and should therefore be treated as a valuable national asset.
“The money spent on this project is substantial, and it belongs to the people. The people endured 24 years of suffering to secure these resources. I therefore urge communities to take good care of this infrastructure because the road will make life easier for many people. We must value public money and use it wisely,” the prime minister said.
He also urged municipal authorities and administrative post administrators to maintain close communication with local communities and the construction company to address any challenges that might arise during implementation.
Public Works Minister Samuel Marçal said timely completion of the project would depend partly on cooperation from local communities, particularly in facilitating access to locally available construction materials and resolving issues related to land use.
Marçal also highlighted the impact of road conditions on agricultural transportation costs, particularly for coffee producers. He explained that deteriorating roads increase transport expenses and can affect the prices farmers receive for their products.
Improved road connections, he said, would reduce transportation difficulties and make it easier for farmers to bring their produce to markets.
Speaking on behalf of communities in the three administrative posts, Atsabe Administrator Manuel Oliveira welcomed the project, saying it would improve the transportation of agricultural products and make it easier for students and families to reach schools and healthcare services.
The groundbreaking ceremony included traditional rituals conducted by local community representatives, a blessing of the construction site and the symbolic laying of the foundation stone.
Government members, National Parliament deputies, municipal officials, representatives of public institutions, local authorities, traditional and religious leaders, veterans, students and residents from Letefoho, Atsabe and Lourba attended the event.
The project has a contract value of US$43,199,250.51 and is scheduled for completion within two years under the supervision of the Ministry of Public Works.
TATOLI
