A programme to build and repair infrastructure, including roads, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals and power and communication networks, will be carried out over the next five year, according to East Timor's Prime Minister, Xanana Gusmao.

During the presentation in parliament of the Government Programme for his second term, the Prime minister said that the large-scale programme, "aims to repair, improve or build a number of facilities that are fundamental to allow access to health, to schools, to markets, to industries, and to businesses."

According to Portuguese news agency Lusa, Gusmao announced the, "reconstruction of all national, district and rural roads."

The "design of a national motorway ring road system," and the start of rebuilding and maintenance of over 450 bridges are also part of the programme, which also intends to install 400 drinking water systems in around 25,000 rural homes, to restore water and sanitation infrastructure and implement a General Sanitation and Sewer Plan in Dili, in order drastically to reduce drainage and flooding problems.

Gusmao also said he planned to expand President Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili and rebuild several runways. Baucau airport would be reserved for cargo, he said, as well as being the location of a military airbase. (macauhub)