In the remote city of Suai, Timor-Leste, a gleaming $120 million airport stands empty, a stark reminder of the country's ambitious but unfulfilled dreams. Once promised as a gateway to economic prosperity, the Xanana Gusmão International Airport now serves as a 'ghost airport', with barely any flights and a small army of cleaners keeping it spotless. But this isn't the only white elephant in the area. A four-lane, 33-kilometre highway, built at a cost of around $550 million, is also largely unused, with vehicles a rare sight. The highway is marred by three massive sinkholes, a stark contrast to the smooth, efficient transport system it was meant to be. The Greater Sunrise oil and gas project, valued at $50 billion, was meant to be the economic saviour of Timor-Leste, with the airport and highway built in anticipation of onshore processing. However, the project has been mired in controversy and delay, with the government's stance on piping the gas to Darwin or keeping it in Timor causing tension. The saga has taken another turn with the visit of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who announced a plan to hand over at least a third of Australia's future revenues from the project to Timor-Leste, but remained non-committal on the destination of the gas. The community in Suai has been affected by the delays and broken promises, with hundreds relocated and jobs that never materialized. Despite the setbacks, the community leader Joao Gusmao supports the government's efforts, recognizing the long-term benefits for the next generation. The future of Greater Sunrise remains uncertain, with the government facing difficult choices and the community holding its breath, hoping for a brighter tomorrow.
