The Chief of Development Planning for the municipality of Ermera, Inacio Madeira, said three of the five administrative posts in Ermera are the most coffee production areas in the country despite poor condition of roads in the municipality so he urged the government to rehabilitate the roads so the community can access markets.
Chief Madeira added that the communities of Hatulia, Letefoho and Atsabe administrative posts make a living from coffee production and selling but struggle.
“These places are where there is the most coffee production, but farmers cannot access market due to the roads,” said Madeira in Dili.
He added the three administrative posts have the best climate and land for the production of coffee.
He urged the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication (MOPTC) to fix the roads as it wound boost good coffee production.
Meanwhile MOPTC Minister Gastão de Sousa acknowledged this issue and said that in 2016 the government has made changes to the State Budget to include roads maintenance and rehabilitation.
“What we are trying to do this year is to address how communities can bring their products to the market,” said also Minister Sousa.
He however did not commit to fixing all roads across the country as he does not have sufficient funds.
“We must understand there are limitations in terms of what we can do,” said Minister Sousa.
