 |
I believe that the intention is to try to develop tourism sector, particularly in Oé-Cusse town. This bike sharing system will facilitate visitors to get around because there is no public transport system yet. Individual private transport rental is even freaking expensive. So this is a very good help for visitors. I have not tried it yet because the installation was only made after my last visit, or maybe I just did not know about it? I am looking forward to trying it.
Taking initiative is very important. When you have set your vision, try new things to achieve the vision. In the context of Timor-Leste, I think some people may think the initiative is unimportant. People would prefer to build roads and then buying cars to load the roads intensively and heavily. However, Oé-Cusse has set an example by initiating this small scale and petty project to educate its people and its visitors to live more green in the future. I think the short-term impact of this initiative is kind of debatable. However, the long-term one will be deep for environment and for economy as well.
I found consistency between goal of creating the special economic zone and the initiative. The special economic zone model is a national pilot project where its authority is expected to try different development initiatives to see what work and what do not. For me, bicycle-sharing system will be successful. One reason is because infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, street lights are all improved already. Second is the town is relatively safer compared to any other town in this country, even compared to Dili. Visitors are not afraid of riding bicycles anywhere they want to go to.
**Hope this gives you an inspiration
