Australia joins the  Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Finance Corporation and Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA) as partners with Timor-Leste on the airport expansion and redevelopment project.

Australia’s loan will be used for building airport infrastructure components, such as improving road access to the airport terminal, lighting, a new rescue firefighting facility and a new healthcare facility.

The current runway of the airport does not conform to the safety norms of the International Civil Aviation, forcing airlines to significantly limit the number of passengers and adopt additional safety measure to avoid penalties.

“Importantly, the redevelopment will enable the Airport to meet key international safety and security standards, which will support increased tourism flows and improved passenger experience,” said Australian government in a statement.

“The project will also deliver long-term economic growth opportunities for key agricultural sectors through improved trade and quarantine facilities at the airport.

“More Australians than any other nationality travel to Timor-Leste by air. This partnership will further deepen the strong people-people links between Australia and Timor-Leste as passenger capacity at the airport is expanded.

New Japanese Ambassador CelebratedInauguration of school building

in Manusae Village, Hatulia Administrative Post, Ermera Municipality

On December 16th, 2022, Mr. TetsuyaKIMURA, Ambassador of Japan to Timor-Leste,attended the inauguration ceremonyofthenewschool buildingat Trindade Lebuto school in Manusae village, Hatulia administrative post, Ermera municipality.The ceremony was hosted by Integrated Guiding Institute(IMI), thelocal NGOthat implemented the project.Mr. Eusébio Salsinha, the President Authority of Ermera Municipality,Mr. Raimundo José Neto, General Director of Policy, Planning Inclusion and Printingof Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport,local government officials of relevant authorities, stakeholders, teachers, school staff, andstudentsjoined Ambassador Kimurain the ceremony.

Ambassador Kimuraextended his sincere gratitude to the people of Manusaevillage and IMI for the excellent constructionof the school building,“I am pleased to know that students and teachers have better sanitary environment, and students in grades seven through nine are comfortable in their new classrooms without leaks or hazards. The Government of Japan cares about the safe and secure life for everyone. This of course includes people in remote areas. That is why we have many projects in all of the municipalities,even in hard to reach places. For example in Ermera municipality, we have supported the construction of water supply systems, public clinics, and school buildings in 9 communities. I believe these projects have improved the quality of life for many people in these regions.”

For this project, the Government of Japan provided $90,909through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots and Human Security (GGP) scheme. Through this project,a new school building with3 class rooms and restroomswas constructed,benefitting230 students and 13 teachers in Trindade Lebutoschool.

Since the first project was launchedin 2000, 132 projects have been implemented under the GGP scheme in all 14 Municipalitiesof Timor-Leste.The projects mainly provide assistance for community infrastructure, including construction and rehabilitation of school facilities, public clinics, and water supply systems, addressing various basic human needs at the grassroots level. (pr)