On Monday, January 26th, the Government launched the rehabilitation projects for the Gleno urban road and the road linking Gleno to the Letefoho Administrative Post at a ceremony held at the Eraulu Central Primary School in the municipality of Ermera, presided over by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, with Minister of Public Works Samuel Marçal in attendance. 
In his speech, the Prime Minister urged the people of Ermera, particularly those in the Gleno and Letefoho areas, not to hinder the execution of the works so that they can be completed within the deadlines set by the Government. He stressed that the roads are being built for the direct benefit of the communities and that the cooperation of the population is crucial for the rapid completion of the projects.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão recalled that, since the approval of the 2011-2030 National Strategic Development Plan, road infrastructure has been a priority for the country’s development, ensuring access to education, health, and other economic and social activities. He also expressed his satisfaction with the population’s participation in the event and his expectation that the works will be completed by 2027.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister recommended that the Ministry of Public Works consider, in future planning, the rehabilitation of the road to Aiseo, given its historical value in the context of national resistance.
The Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, explained that the projects are the result of a process that included technical studies, design, compliance with legal requirements, and procurement procedures, to ensure the quality and durability of the infrastructure. He stressed that, despite pressure to accelerate the works, the Government is proceeding with rigour and responsibility, respecting the law and the commitments made to its development partners.
The Minister also appealed for patience from the communities, noting that the compensation and data collection processes take time, and thanked the people of Ermera for their understanding. He also reiterated his request that no obstacles be created to prevent the works, including the destruction of equipment or materials, and that those interested in job opportunities should contact the responsible companies directly.
It was also reported that the government is preparing to sign contracts in the near future and to launch rehabilitation projects for the Letefoho–Atsabe and Atsabe–Lourba roads in the municipality of Bobonaro, which are currently in the final stages of evaluation.
The President of the Municipal Authority of Ermera, José Martinho dos Santos, thanked the joint effort of the institutions involved, which made the launch and signing of the contracts possible, and highlighted the direct benefits of these infrastructures for the municipality’s population.
The construction project for the Gleno Urban Road and its drainage system has a budget of over US$3.2 million and is expected to take one year to complete. The section from Gleno to Letefoho, which is over 84 km long, has a budget of over US$38 million and is expected to take 365 days to complete.
The projects will benefit around 54,000 inhabitants of the four administrative posts within the municipality of Ermera.
Members of the Government, the National Parliament, municipal and local authorities, representatives of the Catholic Church, security forces, and the general public attended the ceremony, which included the signing of contracts, reaffirming their commitment to the sound management of public resources.