21 February 2022: A Labour Based Contractors Association (AEBT) was launched by the EU Ambassador, H.E Andrew Jacobs in a ceremony that also saw the ceremonial handing over of equipment and certificates to contractors, at the Gym Hall of Don Bosco Training Center in Comoro,Dili.

This formed part of Enhancing Rural Access Agro-Forestry (ERA-AF) Project activities following successful completion of training by 34 Contractors from Baucau, Manatuto, Viqueque and Lautem in rural road rehabilitation and maintenance.

Realizing the importance of supporting local contractors for the sustainable development of infrastructure in the country, the EU-funded and ILO implemented ERA-AF project supported contractors to establish the association to unify those trained by the project to work together and support each other to uphold good practices, promote business ethics, discipline, advocate for maters of interest and enable information sharing so to develop the contracting industry.  Officiating at the ceremony, the EU Ambassador reiterated EU’s support for private sector growth and applauded the interventions made, while calling for the contractors and government to continue with the interventions and good practices to ensure the effective development of rural and agro-forestry communities. The government did commit to playing its part in ensuring sustenance.

The 34 Contractors staff comprising of Director, Engineer and 2 Supervisors have completed training in Labour Based Technology and Pavement conducted by Don Bosco Training Centre and Business and Contracts Management training conducted by IADE.  They then as part of the training implemented roadworks comprising of about 2 to 3 kms each.  Altogether, a total of 98 kms of roads have been improved by the project within the 4 municipalities of which 81 kms involve rehabilitation works and 17 kms are spot improvement works. A total of 9 Contractors who performed well under the ERA-AF Contractor Excellence Scheme (ECES) were also awarded for exemplary performance.

During the event, a ceremonial handover was made of 2 compaction rollers to Don Bosco Training Centre and Labour Based Contractors Association together with testing equipment to the 4 municipalities and Don Bosco Training Centre to enhance quality assurance.

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.