(AseanAll)  — President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, J. Ramos-Horta received the Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, on February 13, 2026 at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace for a comprehensive briefing on the nation’s infrastructure development. 

The meeting focused on the execution of the 2026 General State Budget, specifically targeting the rehabilitation of urban roads in Dili, the maintenance of national highways connecting the municipalities, and the ongoing expansion of clean water and energy services to remote areas.

During the audience, the Head of State emphasized the urgent need for quality and sustainability in all public works. President Ramos-Horta issued a clear directive that infrastructure projects must be built to last, expressing concern over roads that deteriorate shortly after completion. 

In response, Minister Marçal assured the President that the Ministry is intensifying its inspections and will hold private contractors strictly accountable to ensure all works meet international durability standards.

The discussion also touched upon strategic projects such as the Tasi Mane petroleum infrastructure and the modernization of Dili’s aging water distribution system. To conclude the meeting, the Minister highlighted that planning for the 2025 budget is already underway, with a focus on aligning infrastructure goals with the President’s vision to prioritize the basic needs of citizens at the grassroots level.