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Improved rural roads in Timor-Leste lead to better livelihoods and inclusiveness
An ILO initiative to involve local contractors and communities in the rehabilitation of rural roads is helping provide jobs, improve livelihoods and promote inclusiveness in Timor-Leste.
A graduate from the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), majoring in Civil Engineering, Ms Gutteres appreciated the opportunity for her to contribute to the changes within the community through access to markets, employment, skills, gender participation and income support.
“The work is challenging and can be exhausting, but I love this job and I appreciate the opportunity to apply what I have learnt,” she said.
The project has awarded 34 contracts to local construction companies, of which 50 percent of the contracts awarded are women-owned firms. These contractors along with their engineers and site supervisors were provided with a 10-week classroom and field training programmes related to construction of rural roads using labour-based methods, pavement construction, maintenance as well as contracts and business management.
“These practical trainings enable me to implement works under real conditions. The jobs also show that women are capable and can perform good engineering works,” Ms Gutteres concluded.
