Dili, May 8, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The government, through the Secretary of State for Toponymy, Planning, and Urban Organization (SEATOU), stated that a misunderstanding caused by a Fretilin Member of Parliament (MP) regarding SEATOU’s work in the Tasi-Tolu quarantine area to relocate communities will be taken to court in accordance with the law.
The Secretary of State for Toponymy, Planning, and Urban Organization, Germano Santa Brites Dias, said that due to the MP’s intervention to stop SEATOU’s activities in the Tasi-Tolu quarantine area, the matter will be brought to court.
“I want to inform the public that I will take this matter to court regarding the obstruction that happened here. MPs came to interfere with my work on this land, so I must make this public so I can proceed legally,” said Secretary of State Germano Santa Brites Dias.
The Secretary further explained that as a member of the government, he is implementing the XI Government’s program. MPs in the National Parliament and others must each remain within their own roles because the government is working to help people who continue to suffer, such as those lacking clean water during floods.
“During the floods, the Prime Minister and I, along with our entire team, went to evacuate people from the floodwaters during both day and night, bringing them to the Tasi-Tolu quarantine area. Because of this, I must take this case to the Public Prosecutor’s Office so that a process can be initiated to make MPs understand that everyone must remain calm in such places so I can carry out my work,” said the Secretary of State.
He added that while working on-site, MPs from the National Parliament criticized SEATOU’s work, but never intervened within the Parliament building itself because each branch of government has different roles due to the separation of powers.
“The proper way to conduct oversight is to form a joint team from the National Parliament. It cannot be done by political parties intervening in my fieldwork. That kind of interference goes against my responsibilities,” emphasized the Secretary of State.
The Secretary noted that the recent discussion was normal in a democracy because discussion leads to solutions. Although the debate may get heated, it must not be taken personally. Instead, a calm mind is necessary to make decisions that resolve community concerns.
He further explained that the debate at Tasi-Tolu quarantine area aimed to resolve issues faced by communities affected by flooding. However, after the debate, everyone returned to their positions. He suggested that MPs submit an official letter to explain their stance in court, allowing the public to understand and discuss until a calm resolution is reached to address the problems faced by the community on the land.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano