DILI, 02 July 2025 (TATOLI) — The Council of Ministers has approved funding and procurement procedures for consultancy services to supervise the design and construction of the Zumalai–Natarbora highway.
The proposal was submitted by the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Francisco Monteiro.
The highway will be constructed in three sections: Zumalai to Betano, Betano to Uma Berloic, and Uma Berloic to Natarbora. Each section has been allocated US$12.97 million for project management consultancy services.
The initiative is part of the Tasi Mane Project, a major infrastructure program along Timor-Leste’s south coast. The project is considered a key pillar in the development of the national petroleum sector.
Located on the southern coast of the country, it is expected to be the largest oil and gas development in Timor-Leste, aiming to foster a self-sufficient economy and enable the nation to thrive independently.
The Tasi Mane Project is a major strategic initiative of the Government of Timor-Leste spanning a wide range of economic impacts at national and regional level and at the same time providing direct economic benefits from Timor-Leste’s natural resources.
The Tasi Mane Project is a multiphase integrated project infrastructure, comprising of two industrial clusters situated along a 155km-long highway corridor on the south coast of Timor-Leste, according to Timor Gap 2023 report.
“The project initially encompassed three primary industrial clusters such as: the Suai Supply Base, the Betano Refinery and Petrochemical Industry, and Timor-Leste LNG in Beaço. However, in 2023, the Government decided to restructure the Tasi Mane Project by consolidating it into two principal industrial clusters only: a) the first one remains Suai Supply Base, and b) the second is the combined hub of Refinery & Petrochemical Industry and Timor-Leste LNG, where it is located at Natarbora village. Subsequently, plans are in place to enhance each cluster development with additional infrastructure, including new town developments and airport upgrades,” said Timor Gap.
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