On October 10th, 2026, the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, accompanied by technical teams from the Ministry, conducted a follow-up visit to several road and bridge construction and rehabilitation projects in the municipality of Manufahi to assess progress, verify construction quality, and identify measures necessary to ensure compliance with deadlines and technical specifications.
The visit included, among others, the Alas–Dotik, Luak–Betano, and Betano–Fatuberliu road projects, as well as the construction of the Turon Bridge. The Minister also visited sites where interventions are planned to improve community connections, specifically through the construction of bridges in Serema and Laklo.
On the Alas–Dotik section, the Minister personally monitored progress to assess execution and working conditions, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and quality standards. The project spans 16.25 kilometres and represents an estimated investment of US$15.4 million.
On National Highway A14 between Luak and Betano, the Minister requested additional workers, technicians, and equipment to accelerate work, particularly for drainage and road protection structures ahead of the rainy season.
The rehabilitation of the Luak–Betano link is divided into two sections, measuring 5.1 and 4.05 kilometres, with investments of approximately US$4.98 million and US$4.83 million, respectively. During the visit, it was noted that physical execution of the second section stood at around 40%. Weather conditions have affected progress, and the contractor has requested an extension of the completion deadline—originally scheduled for September 2026—to March 2027.
Regarding the Betano–Fatuberliu link, the Minister ordered alignment corrections at certain points, the completion of drainage structures, and the reinforcement of human resources and equipment allocated to the project. The project, divided into three packages, represents a total investment of approximately US$11.8 million and, at the time of the visit, had achieved a physical execution rate of about 25%.
The Minister also inspected the construction of the Turon Bridge in the hamlet of Turon, Babulu village, Same Administrative Post, and called for the work to be accelerated to achieve tangible progress on the ground before the rainy season. Samuel Marçal warned that the Ministry of Public Works may enforce contractual measures, including contract termination, if the project fails to make significant progress.
During the same visit, Samuel Marçal visited Serema, where the Ministry of Public Works will conduct a technical survey to prepare for the construction of a future bridge. The infrastructure aims to improve mobility during the rainy season and to facilitate community access to healthcare, education, and markets. According to local authorities, the future bridge could benefit communities across three villages and eight hamlets.
In Laklo, within the Alas Administrative Post, the Ministry will likewise conduct a detailed technical study to assess the requirements for building a new bridge. The infrastructure is expected to improve connections between Dotik and Alas, Alas and Tutuluru, and Tutuluru and Turiscai, thereby facilitating population movement and the transport of agricultural produce.
The visit to Manufahi forms part of the Ministry of Public Works’ ongoing monitoring of infrastructure projects across the national territory, with particular attention to work quality, compliance with contractual obligations, and preparation of infrastructure for the rainy season.
Since early October, the Ministry has also recorded progress on several other road and bridge projects. In Ataúro, the rehabilitation of the first section between Vila Maumeta and Beloi, covering 4.5 kilometres, reached 87.71% completion, while the second package between Biqueli and Beloi stood at 77.44%. In Natarbora, Manatuto, the 110-metre Lamara Bridge reached 50% completion, while the Samalari Bridge in Baguia, Baucau, reached 33.66%.
Work also continues on the rehabilitation of the 18.5-kilometre road between Hatubuilico in Ainaro and Letefoho in Ermera, where asphalt paving is underway, with completion scheduled for December this year.