Dili, October 2, 2025 (Média Democracia) – University students and the people of Turiscai and Maubisse held a press conference today, expressing concern about the road rehabilitation project connecting Urahou to Turiscai. The project, valued at over three million dollars with a distance of 23 KM and contracted for one year, has shown no visible progress so far. The press conference took place at Jardim 5 de Maio.
Spokesperson Ivon Baisarek stated that university students from Turiscai and Maubisse, who are currently studying in Dili, organized the press conference to highlight the community’s concern regarding the rehabilitation project launched on 13 June 2024. The project, with a budget of USD $3,270,571.41, was scheduled to be completed by 13 June 2025. However, as of today, there has been no progress according to the contract timeline.
“Information released to the public through media on 08/07/2025, from the Ministry of Public Works’ page, claimed that the road connecting Ainaro to Turiscai Administrative Post had reached 54% completion. Then on 08/09/2025, the Ministry of Public Works reported that construction on the Urahou–Turiscai road at KM 12 had reached only 30%. On 22/09/2025, during an interview with Rakom Lian Proklamador, Engineer Elisio Francisco F. Belo stated that the same road at KM 2 had reached 64.10%. On 23 July 2025, GMN journalists interviewed the Ministry of Public Works, which responded that delays in the Maubisse – Turiscai road construction were due to weather conditions,” the spokesperson said.
He added that these inconsistent reports have created doubts among the people of Turiscai, particularly given the poor condition of the road, which makes access extremely difficult during the rainy season. Furthermore, the use of substandard fill material to cover potholes raises concerns about the road’s quality and its ability to withstand future rains, which would affect both public and private transportation.
“We see that the company Montana Diak, which is responsible for this road project, has not shown seriousness and has been working very slowly, creating great difficulties for community movement. Because of this, we, the youth and community of Turiscai Administrative Post, Manufahi Municipality appeal to the Deputy Director and Acting Executive Director of AND I.P. to pay attention to the Montana Diak company and demand that it accelerate the construction process of the Maubisse – Turiscai road. More than a year has already passed, yet the project is still unfinished,” Ivon Baisarek continued.
The spokesperson further lamented that although the project was launched on 13 June 2024 with a budget of over USD $3.27 million for 23 KM, RACOM’s interview with Montana Diak engineers on 22/09/2025 revealed that only 2 KM had been completed. “This is considered an outright lie to the people of Turiscai. These contradictory statements and media interviews are seen as deliberate deception to gain public trust, but in reality, they have only become political campaign material to mislead the people,” he said.
He emphasized that the community will continue to defend the Maubisse – Turiscai road as a protocol road, which also honors the legacy of Dr. Francisco Xavier do Amaral, a historic figure in the struggle for independence. “It is the government’s duty to also recognize Turiscai’s contribution to the independence struggle. Unfortunately, from the public’s perspective, the continued delays show that the company lacks financial and material capacity. Geographically, Turiscai in Manufahi Municipality reflects the proud origins of Dr. Francisco Xavier do Amaral, and therefore deserves serious government attention for development,” Baisarek explained.
He affirmed that university students from Turiscai and Maubisse, currently studying in Dili, serve as the community’s eyes and voice to demand that the government, through the Ministry of Public Works, pressure Montana Diak to speed up the project. “The poor condition of this road has become a public issue not only in Turiscai, which has 11 villages, but also in Maubisse, in villages such as Manelobas, Manetu, Maulau, and Edi. People have the right to demand that another company with proven capacity and seriousness be given responsibility for this project,” he said.
Finally, the spokesperson appealed to parents, veterans, civil society, youth, and students to unite in demanding that the government, through the Ministry of Public Works, urgently respond to the people’s concerns about the Maubisse – Turiscai road construction, in order to ease transportation, improve mobility, and facilitate the transport of products to markets.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano