Government of Timor-Leste

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, presided over the groundbreaking ceremony of the rehabilitation project for the urban road connecting Beloi to Vila Maumeta, at the Ataúro Administrative Authority, on Saturday, October 11, 2025. This investment reinforces the government's commitment to improving infrastructure and promoting sustainable development throughout the country.

The project, with a contractual amount of US$3.25 million and a 365-day execution period, aims to improve traffic conditions, facilitate access to public services and boost the island's economic and tourism development.

During the ceremony, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão appealed for responsibility from the company that will execute the project and collaboration from the local community, emphasizing that the success of the project depends on everyone's commitment.

"On behalf of the people of Ataúro," the Head of Government asked, "the company to do a quality job," emphasizing that since "a Timorese company has been entrusted with the project, it must do it well, to demonstrate that the Timorese are also capable, that it is not only foreign companies that can do this." He also appealed to "the people of Ataúro not to create obstacles," adding that "collaboration is necessary for development to advance."

The Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, recalled the logistical difficulties associated with carrying out construction work on the island, "because mobilizing materials is difficult — everything has to come by sea, including sand and stone, which are transported from Dili." He therefore emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, local authorities, and the community to ensure that the work is carried out without delays and with quality.

After the project was launched, the Lisan Loropui Community officially handed over 50,000 square meters of land to the State, located in the village of Usubemasu, Beloi village, for the construction of a Solar Photovoltaic Station and a Battery Storage System, intended to reduce or replace the use of diesel oil in the supply of electricity to the island.

The President of the Ataúro Administrative Authority, Mateus Belo, highlighted the positive impact of the Government's investments on the island, thanking the Prime Minister for the impetus given to local development.

"This is a historic moment for Ataúro. It's the first time a road rehabilitation project has been launched in the city center in over 20 years. The arrival of asphalt in the center of the village represents an important milestone," said Mateus Belo.

Through the Ataúro Special Development Fund (FEDA), 12 kilometers of road were built in just one year, already representing 60 to 70% of the road connections between the villages. It is expected that all villages will soon be fully interconnected.

In terms of access to electricity, the differences are also very noticeable, with electricity access increasing from three to 18 hours a day, with almost all villages already served, with only three remaining in the final stages of connection. Other advances include the construction of schools and housing for teachers, such as the two residences inaugurated today, as well as health center and residences for health professionals in several villages.

Mateus Belo also expressed gratitude for the increased frequency of maritime transport, which now operates six times a week, and only on Mondays there are no trips to Ataúro.

On the same day, the Prime Minister and the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, also inaugurated two residences for teachers located in the Vila Maumeta village and the village of Uaro-Ana, built under the Municipal Integrated Development Program (PDIM), with a total budget of approximately 150 thousand US dollars.

The Minister of State Administration highlighted that these infrastructures are part of the Government's ongoing efforts to improve the living and working conditions of teachers posted to remote areas, reinforcing investment in education and municipal public services.

"The Ministry of Education guarantees educational services throughout the country, including Ataúro. Many teachers come from other municipalities, and it is the government's duty to provide them with decent housing so they can live with dignity and work effectively. The PDIM and FEDA are fundamental instruments for strengthening local capacities and bringing public services closer to the communities," said Minister Tomás Cabral.

Tomás do Rosário Cabral added that, through FEDA, PDIM and PNDS, the Government has significantly improved municipal infrastructure and is preparing to review the structure of the Ataúro Administrative Authority, with a view to creating the Agricultural Services and the Transport and Telecommunications Services.

The ceremonies were attended by deputies, leaders and technical teams from the relevant ministries, ADN, FEDA management, veterans, representatives of PNTL and F-FDTL, community leaders, lia nain, students, teachers and community members, who expressed great satisfaction and support for the Government's initiatives.

The two projects—the rehabilitation of the Beloi–Vila Maumeta Road and the inauguration of teachers' residences—are part of the 9th Constitutional Government's strategy to improve connectivity, strengthen public services, and drive sustainable and inclusive development in the municipality of Ataúro.

The ceremonies were also attended by Members of Parliament, directors and technical teams from the Ministry of Public Works and other public entities, veterans, members of the PNTL and F-FDTL, religious denominations, FEDA management, municipal services, community leaders, students, teachers and youth, who expressed support and satisfaction with the development projects on Ataúro Island.

These projects—the rehabilitation of the Beloi–Vila Maumeta Road, the inauguration of teachers' residences, and the construction of the solar photovoltaic station—are part of the IX Constitutional Government's strategy to improve connectivity, strengthen public services, and promote sustainable and inclusive development in Ataúro.