European Union Ambassador to Timor-Leste Andrew Jacobs handed over two compaction rollers to three contractors from Viqueque. The contractors are working on the construction and rehabilitation of rural roads in the framework of the EU-supported ERA Agro-forestry project, implemented by the ILO. The contractors are Tula Ely, and a Joint Venture between Lacaroma and Limfin Dargima.

The purchase of the two rollers was made possible thanks to an “Enhanced Equipment Advance Payment Facility”. This provides access to top of the range mechanical equipment by offering bridging finance to contractors.

A compaction roller compacts soil, gravel, concrete, or asphalt in the construction of roads and foundations. The acquisition of the two machines will speed up the road construction and rehabilitation. They will also enhance the capacity and skills of the private sector operators.

At the same time, the European Union and the ILO made available to contractors and workers engaged in ERA guidelines on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The contraction rollers will really make a difference both to the contractors themselves and to the communities in the areas where they work, which will see roads completed in record time” said Ambassador Jacobs. “The ERA Agro-forestry project aims to facilitate access to markets and agro-forestry areas and at the same time to build capacity among local contractors through their work on the roads. And in these times of COVID-19 it’s important that workers are kept safe from the virus, so today we have given out guidelines on how to prevent its spread and to protect workers.”

The ERA Agro-Forestry project supports the development of a skilled private sector that is able to service the infrastructure needs for the rural communities. Roads are important in providing linkages to inputs and services necessary for agro-forestry development and providing connections to the market as well as indirectly facilitating students’ mobility and health services to the rural communities.

Enhancing Rural Access (ERA) Agro-Forestry Project is a component of the Partnership for Sustainable Agro-Forestry (PSAF) between Timor-Leste, the European Union (EU), Germany (GIZ) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The main objective is to contribute to a peaceful, inclusive and sustainable development in Timor-Leste through improved rural access, creation of employment, economic and domestic revenue opportunities through agro-forestry development, and a durable reduction in food insecurity and malnutrition in rural areas.

Through the ERA Agro-Forestry Project, 77 kms of roads in agro-forestry areas in Baucau, Viqueque, Manatuto and Lautem will be built. This will be done by 34 contractors employing over 5,000 people, of whom 30 percent are women. Women own more than half of the contractors selected. The construction of about 55kms of roads has already been awarded to 25 contractors from Baucau, Viqueque and Manatuto. 40 kms have been built, providing work to 2,500 people.

For further information please contact: Paulo Santos, dossantos@ilo.org