Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, accompanied by the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, launched, on September 12th, 2026, in Ermera, the rehabilitation project for the road connecting Humboe village and Vila Antiga in Ermera, covering a total distance of 15 kilometres, and representing an investment of US$ 3.35 million. The ceremony included laying the foundation stone and signing the contract to execute the works. 
In his remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of road infrastructure in improving communities’ access to public services, markets, education, and healthcare, in line with the priorities set out in the Strategic Development Plan 2011–2030.
“Basic infrastructure is important for the economy, education, and healthcare. This is why the Government has an obligation to provide basic infrastructure so that people can have good access to education and healthcare,” stated the Head of Government.
Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão also emphasised that the road will facilitate community movement and the transport of local produce, thereby improving access to markets and economic activities in the municipality.
The Prime Minister called on the company responsible for the works to meet the quality standards and timeline set out in the contract, and requested cooperation from communities throughout the implementation period. He also recalled that the resources allocated to the project are public funds and must benefit the population.
The Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, explained that preparing this type of project involves several stages before construction begins, including feasibility studies, detailed engineering design, and the procurement process.
The public signing of the contract also sought to reinforce the accountability of the entities involved in executing and supervising the works. The Minister of Public Works called on the contractor, technical teams, and supervisory entities to ensure strict adherence to project specifications and guarantee the infrastructure’s durability.
The President of the Ermera Municipal Authority, José Martinho dos Santos Soares, highlighted the road’s expected impact in connecting local communities to essential services, urban centres, and markets—particularly given the importance of the municipality’s agricultural output, including coffee, horticulture, and other local produce.
The Municipal Authority also called for full compliance with technical specifications and safety standards, with particular attention to material quality, drainage systems, slope protection, risk management, and the safety of road users during construction.
The construction firm’s representative committed to completing the project within the contractual 365-day timeline and in full compliance with established quality standards.
Members of the Government and the National Parliament, representatives of defence and security institutions, municipal and local authorities, representatives of the Catholic Church, community leaders, students, and members of the local Ermera community attended the ceremony.