Dili, February 5, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) signed a consultancy contract with JICA to complete the Design of the passenger terminal at Dili’s Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
JICA Chief Representative in Timor-Leste, Mito Mimpei proudly participated in the signing of the consultant work contract agreement for the President Nicolau Lobato International Airport improvement project.
“As you know, the project was halted for some time, but I am glad that it is finally back on track. Today marks a milestone not only for the Airport, but also for Timor-Leste. This project is not only about improving infrastructure, but also our commitment to improving connectivity and economic opportunities for the people.” JICA representative Mito Mimpei said.
He said Timor-Leste would become a member of ASEAN, with initial accession planned for this year. The project would contribute to the country’s accession by aligning infrastructure with regional standards.
“I believe that this initiative will create jobs opportunity, stimulate local businesses and attract foreign investment, let us think that this project is not just about physical buildings, it is about a brighter future for all citizens of Timor-Leste,” he said.
He expressed his gratitude to all parties involved in the completion of this project. Your hard work and dedication made this moment become possible.
As the Japanese Ambassador to Timor Leste, Tetsuya Kimura is pleased to mark a meaningful story in this project, because it had stopped for a while, today it has started to continue.
“As you know, the project has been stalled for a while, but I am glad that it is finally underway. Today marks a significant space not only for the airport but for all of Asian countries, this project is not only realized on the front of the building,” said Japanese Ambassador Tetsuya Kimura.
He said it would enable the Japanese Government to manage the expansion of passenger capacity and ensure compliance with international safety standards, as we all know, becoming a full member of this project will contribute to the country’s accession to align infrastructure with regional standards in the future.
He is confident that this initiative will create jobs for local businesses and attract foreign investment, moving forward with the idea that this project is not just about office buildings, but about offices that provide employment for all citizens in a modern and prosperous way.
On this occasion, the Minister of Transportation and Communications, Miguel Marques Manetelo said that he was very happy and it was a great honor to be able to participate in this ceremony to witness this important occasion, the signing of the contract between MTC and the Japanese Consortium Airport Consultants in order to complete the detailed design of the construction of the passenger terminal.
“We know that the construction of the President Nicolau Lobato International Airport Passenger Terminal was funded by the Japanese Government in the form of a grant and part of the funds were counter match by the Timor-Leste Government,” said MTC Minister Miguel Manetelo.
He emphasized that the signing of this contract is not only a symbol of the beginning of the process of finalizing the detailed design of the President Nicolau Lobato International Airport Passenger Terminal but also to emphasize the seriousness of the government in the construction of the International Airport. As we all witnessed, the statement of His Excellency Prime Minister Kayrala Xanana that the construction of the President Nicolau Lobato International Airport is still waiting for the right design and cost details.
In relation to the Strategic Development Plan (PED 2011-2030), President Nicolau Lobato International Airport is an important basic infrastructure, alongside the National Eletrification, Roads, Bridges, Fiber Optics and the Timor Sea Project.
“After the PED was approved and launched, there was immediately a program for the presentation of the Constitutional Government V in the National Parliament in 2012, the discourse of His Excellency the Prime Minister immediately emphasized that infrastructure development as a driving force for national development, meaning that when there is basic infrastructure, it will enable the development of social capital and enable dynamic and productive economic development to create jobs and enable institutional consolidation that will be strong and organized in all countries.” He said.
There was indeed a Constitutional Program of the V Government at that time, His Excellency the Prime Minister underlined that the constitutional V government would make large-scale investments among these investments, one of which was the Expansion of the President Nocolau Lobato International Airport in Dilu and had a flight plan in the District to rehabilitate the runway areas in Suai, Oe-cusse Ambeno, Lospalos, Maliana, Viqueque, Atauro and Same.
“After 12 years of Suai and Oecusse Airports being established and having several requirements in accordance with the dreams stated in the PED, however, President Nicolau Lobato International Airport and the Aviation Development Plan for the Regency have not been implemented. We all know that in 12 years we have had four governments that have changed, each government always has different plans and priorities.” He explained.
He said, for this government, the development of sector development areas and airports is an important priority, therefore it is site and also in the IX Government Constitutional program which stated.
“To gain confidence in the relationship between Timor-Leste and regional and international destinations, the government will try to create conditions to add regular flights with many options to serve the growing number of passengers, the construction or expansion of President Nicolau Lobato International Airport will help in its implementation. Investment in air transport is essential, to respond to the many future air traffic related to the country’s economic growth. I must mention all these points to remind us all of our consistency and persistence.” He said.
Because the IX Constitutional Government led by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão has consistency in what he promises, because the basic foundation for the development of this country is the PED and seeks ways that can be done, then sooner or later all the visions contained in the PED can be realized.
“With the signing of this contract, the Consultant Team, Waskita Karya Contractor with the support of PMC (Project Management for Consultant) will coordinate to complete two important designs, namely the Passenger Terminal and the Runway.” He continued.
At the same time, it will also coordinate with the Australian government to complete discussions for other competent parties involved in the entire process of building President Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Japanese government for their financial support through grants in this process, and my gratitude to the implementing party who always supports the process and dynamics during the discussion process and also to the consultants who have waited a long time to conclude this signing process.” He added.
Hopefully, by March the design process will be completed and to get the permit approval, we can move on to the next stage, including the tender process for the construction of the passenger terminal, so that we can start the construction process.
Reported by : Estefania
Picture by : Estefania