The first local woman recruited to manage construction site administration

Maria works full time at the construction site A key objective of the Roads for Development Programme (R4D) in Timor-Leste is to build capacities of local contract companies to stimulate the growth of a strong local contractors’ industry. Prior to works commencing contractors undergo 6-weeks’ certified training on labour-based technologies and business management. They also receive mentoring and on-the-job training during the construction period.

R4D’s experience in working with contractors indicates the need for strengthening capacities of contractors in areas such as: site management (including distribution of tools and safety equipment), procurement of materials, labour supervision, financial management and record keeping.

One contractor who is working on the Lianai-Grotu road in Manufahi Municipality, has sought to resolve the above deficiencies by employing a locally-recruited full-time site-manager. Her name is Maria. She has four children and lives in Suco Babulo, along the Liana-Grotu road. This is the first job opportunity she has ever received, and it is a stable source of income for her and her family.

She works full-time six-days a week, which involves managing the site-camp of the project, distributing construction materials, provision of drinking water, first aid, tools and safety equipment to labourers as well as day-to-day record keeping for labourers’ insurance and timely payment of labourers’ salaries.

Maria’s influence has meant a significant improvement in the contractor’s implementation of social safeguards measures, and general management of the rehabilitation project. Her husband is a security guard in the municipality town centre and together they are saving to build a new home. The contractor reported to be very pleased with Maria’s work. And is proud of being labeled one of R4D’s best contractors.