Government of Timor-Leste

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão went to the municipalities of Viqueque and Baucau on the weekend of October 4th and 5th to launch construction projects of a road and a bridge in Viqueque, and to inaugurate a chapel in Baguia. 

In Viqueque, accompanied by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, the Head of Government launched the project to rehabilitate the road connecting the Luca village (Viqueque Administrative Post) to the Dilor village (Lacluta Administrative Post), a distance of approximately 14 kilometers, and laid the foundation stone for the construction of the bridge over the Welolo river in the Luca village. In the presence of the local population, the contracts for the works were formalized, which are part of the 9th Federal Government's priority to strengthen road connections and safe crossings in rural areas, reducing isolation, especially during the rainy season. 

"The road we're building today is not a gift; it's the government's duty to create conditions for people to travel, access to drinking water, and electricity," said the prime minister, emphasizing the importance of projects "well-executed and within deadlines."

The Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Works called for the collaboration of youth and communities to support the work and avoid constraints that could delay its completion. "This project belongs to the people, it is made for the people, and it is intended to serve the people," emphasized Samuel Marçal. The interventions represent an estimated overall investment of approximately US$7.5 million for the Luca–Dilor road and approximately US$4.4 million for the Welolo bridge, with a 12-month completion period.

In the municipality of Baucau, in the Afaloicai (Baguia) village, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Buibela-Lena Chapel in a ceremony attended by the faithful, religious authorities, and the local community. On the occasion, he recognized the Catholic Church's contribution to the struggle for independence and urged the new generation to take responsibility for building the country's future through education, active citizenship, and respect for community values.

Before the inauguration, the Head of Government paid tribute and laid flowers at the Buibela-Lena cemetery. Also in Baguia, a resistance veteran with the war code "Mau Bulak" presented Xanana Gusmão with original documents written during the struggle for national liberation, which will be properly preserved as they constitute the nation's historical heritage.

Throughout the tour of both municipalities, Xanana Gusmão listened directly to the residents' concerns, particularly about the condition of the roads and mobility issues, gathering valuable input for planning and monitoring the projects. In addition to formal activities, he interacted with the communities and distributed essential goods to families, children, and the elderly.

The activities were also attended by other members of the Government and local authorities, namely the Minister of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Verónica das Dores; the Vice-Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Adérito Hugo da Costa; the Vice-Minister of State Administration, Jacinto Rigoberto G. de Deus; the Presidents of the Municipal Authorities of Viqueque and Baucau, Francisco C. S. de Gonzaga and Veneranda Lemos Martins, respectively; as well as members of the National Parliament, community leaders, technical teams from the Ministry of Public Works and the public. END