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Why Good Roads Matter?
Good road conditions are not just about making travel easier; they are essential for saving lives and supporting community growth. Safe roads enable children to walk to school without fear, facilitate quick access to healthcare in emergencies, and provide farmers and workers with a secure means of transportation. Poor road conditions not only put lives at risk but also hold back Timor-Leste’s development.
Timor-Leste's road infrastructure now needs extra care and rehabilitation to ensure safety for all road users. The country not only lacks good road quality in its districts but also needs improvement to enhance the road infrastructure in its main city (Dili) (figures 1 and 2).
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
The Challenges We Face
Timor-Leste’s roads face several challenges that increase risks every day:
Rainy Season Hazards: Flooding and mud make travel unsafe, while potholes hidden under water create danger for drivers. (Figures 1 and 2).
Lack of Road Signs: Without proper signs or traffic lights, confusion and crashes are more likely.
Nighttime Dangers: With poor street lighting, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians face increased risks at night.
Road areas in Dili, such as Beto, Maslidu, Manleu, and Surikmas, face serious infrastructural challenges. Many of these roads suffer from potholes, poor drainage, a lack of traffic signs, and weak lighting at night. These conditions make accidents more likely, especially for motorbike riders who make up the majority of road users in Timor-Leste.
Poor road quality also affects everyday life. Students walking to school, families traveling to markets, and workers commuting face extra risks because of unsafe streets. During the rainy season, flooding and mud make these conditions even worse, turning small potholes into major hazards.
This video figure 3 highlights the reality of poor road conditions in places like Beto and Maslidu, showing why urgent improvements are needed. Safe roads are not just about comfort; they are about protecting lives and giving people the chance to travel without fear.
By raising awareness, we hope to encourage both the community and authorities to prioritize safer infrastructure. Together, we can ensure that the roads in Dili and across Timor-Leste are safe for everyone.
IQHM3175.MOVFigure 3.
What We Can Do Together
Road safety depends on both government action and community involvement. Investment in infrastructure is crucial, but raising awareness is equally important. Together, we must encourage improvements, report dangerous road areas, and support campaigns that demand safer roads. By working as one community, we can ensure that the roads of Timor-Leste become safe for everyone.
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