Recently, in Timor-Leste, an island country in Southeast Asia, the No. 1 National Highway Reconstruction Project undertaken by PowerChina has brought new growth points to local economic and social development and improved the lives of local people.

Starting from Dili, the capital of East Timor, by car, we will soon drive into the mountains along National Highway No. 1. The car drives between the mountains and the sea, and the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the sea comes into view one by one. Local driver Pereira said: In the past, the road around the island was very narrow and full of potholes. Driving is not as easy as it is now. Thanks to PowerChina for helping us repair the road!

Project Overview

East Timor is located at the easternmost point of the Nusa Tenggara Islands in Southeast Asia. National Highway No. 1 is the most important highway in East Timor, connecting the capital Dili with major cities in the east, and there is a huge flow of traffic and people. However, due to years of disrepair and serious damage, it is difficult to drive and travel. The restoration and reconstruction of National Highway No. 1 has become one of the key projects in East Timor, and it is also the wish of the local people for many years.

In August 2022, the DM48 highway renovation project of the first bid section of National Highway No. 1, undertaken by the 16th Bureau of Hydropower of China Power Construction, was officially opened to traffic. The tender section is about 48.7 kilometers long and is an important trunk road connecting the capital Dili to major cities in the east, such as Manatuto, Baucau, and Vikker. After completion, not only the road has become wider, but the drainage and flood resistance along the line has been greatly improved.

The reconstructed road around the island has significantly improved the local traffic conditions. The only brewery in East Timor is built next to National Highway No. 1. Gbagbo, a truck driver, said: “In the past, the road was bumpy, so I had to drive slowly after loading up beer, for fear that the beer bottles would be smashed. Now that the road has been repaired, beer can be delivered to supermarkets in Dili in less than an hour. Celestino, the gas station administrator, said: Now the road is flat and spacious, and the number of passing vehicles has increased significantly. Gas stations along the route have extended hours, and the company is considering adding more.

Masrino, a young man living in Manatuto City, was driving to Dili. He said: The original road conditions were very poor, and cars were often blocked on mountain roads. It took several hours to reach Dili. Now the road has been repaired and life is getting better. I bought this pickup truck for hauling.

The road in front of the house has been refurbished and expanded, and the life of the villagers has also stepped up to a new level. Many villagers opened restaurants and shops. In Maliu Village, not far from Dili, many tourists drive to the beach here. Santos, the owner of a shop, said: After the road is repaired, the traffic flow has increased, tourists have also increased, and our business is booming.

Build a volleyball court for the local police station free of charge, and donate stationery and living supplies

When I came to Meitinaluo Village, which is close to the road, Ai Ji, a villager, said, “I work in a nearby town. I used to have bad roads and I couldn’t ride a motorcycle fast, so I got home very late every day. Now, I can rush home for dinner at noon, and I can get home early in the evening to accompany my children. Aiji said, with a happy smile on his face. Oli, the head of Metinaro Village, said: The road is well built, and our travel is much more convenient. We also benefit from selling agricultural products, running transportation, and opening restaurants. The lives of the villagers are getting better and better.

The number of shops and residences along the line began to increase, the number of cars on the road increased significantly, and personnel exchanges and logistics transportation became more convenient. Timor-Leste Minister of Public Works Abel said that the road has improved the travel conditions of local people and is of great significance to promoting economic exchanges across East Timor, accelerating regional economic development, and improving the living standards of residents along the route.

Timor-Leste Prime Minister Luak said that Chinese companies have actively participated in the construction of roads, power grids, ports and other projects in East Timor, which has significantly improved the infrastructure level and people's living standards in East Timor. Timor-Leste and China promote the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, which will help the East achieve its development goals and bring more benefits to the people.Editor/Ma Xue