Dili, October 11, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Union of Students and Youth of Turiscai (UEJT), composed of students currently studying in Dili, held a press conference concerning the delayed construction of the road connecting Urahou (Maubisse) and Turiscai. The event took place at Jardim 5 de Maio, Dili, on Friday.
UEJT spokesperson Ivon Baisarek stated that the union acts as the eyes, ears, and voice of society, advocating for development in Turiscai. He referred to a statement made by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) on RTTL media, which claimed that the delay in the Urahou–Turiscai road project was due to climate conditions, limited materials (sourced from Same), and logistical challenges.
“Timor-Leste gained independence through the struggle of its people, but in today’s reality, most citizens still live in hardship while a minority enjoys privilege through legal and political access. The fight for self-governance was full of suffering, yet even now, our leaders have lost touch with the people’s pain,” said UEJT spokesperson Ivon Baisarek.
He continued that people across Timor-Leste, especially in rural areas face serious difficulties, such as limited access to clean water, electricity, education, libraries, and healthcare services. Many communities still lack medical supplies, ambulances, and proper nutrition. He added that poor infrastructure, particularly the road conditions, further worsens living standards.
“These issues reflect that the current government does not truly represent the well-being of its people, even though those same people fought as heroes for liberation. After many years of independence, citizens continue to wait for the government’s concrete development plans to lift them out of poverty,” he said.
UEJT emphasized that their existence is to monitor and advocate for transparency, accountability, and alignment of public works, particularly the rehabilitation of the Urahou–Turiscai road with community needs and expectations.
“University students from the Administrative Posts of Turiscai (Manufahi Municipality) and Maubisse (Ainaro Municipality) wish to respond to the justification released by MOP on October 1, 2025, claiming that the road project was delayed due to climate impact, material distance, and a lack of workers,” Ivon added.
He explained that such statements have eroded public trust in the government, as the excuses provided do not match the real situation. According to UEJT, the remarks seem to mislead citizens and prolong their frustration.
“We express our concern and opinion to influence planning and project implementation. This is to strengthen social participation and encourage sustainable and practical solutions,” Ivon said.
He pointed out that Turiscai and Maubisse have high potential in coffee and other agricultural products, but poor road conditions prevent farmers from transporting their goods to markets. Thus, the people demand the government take responsibility to ensure development responds to their needs.
“Based on community concerns, the rehabilitation project of the Urahou–Turiscai road was officially launched on June 13, 2024, with a budget of around $3 million for a distance of 23 km and a one-year contract. However, even after more than one year and six months, the project remains unfinished,” Ivon said.
He urged the MOP not to use the excuse of “engineers’ limited capacity” to justify the delay, insisting that if the current engineers are unable to deliver, new capable engineers should be brought in.
“We also call on MOP and the company Montana Diak to mobilize more vehicles to transport materials such as gravel from Haru River, which has good quality to accelerate the construction of the Maubisse–Turiscai road as promised in the contract signed on June 13, 2024,” Ivon emphasized.
He further appealed to Montana Diak not to use weather conditions as an excuse for slow progress, since the climate in Turiscai has been normal, with no heavy rainfall that could hinder the work. Communities continue their daily activities without interruption.
Based on MOP’s own statement, the delay was also attributed to a shortage of workers. UEJT responded that many Turiscai youth are unemployed and could have been involved in the project to help accelerate its completion.
“We disagree with MOP’s declaration that only 2 km of asphalt would be laid first before continuing the rest. We believe this is part of the government’s plan to postpone the project and later use it as political propaganda for upcoming elections,” Ivon said.
UEJT also urged the municipal authorities of Manufahi and Ainaro not to ignore community concerns about the slow rehabilitation of the Urahou–Turiscai road, especially since they were present during the project’s launch and had made commitments alongside MOP and the local administration.
Finally, UEJT called on village chiefs from 11 sucos in Turiscai, including Manelobas, Manetu, and Maulau, not to fear expressing the people’s aspirations to the government, reminding them that they were elected as the hands, feet, eyes, and voice of the people through democratic elections.
Report by: Nelfiano
Photo by: Nelfiano