Dili, May 13, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Secretary of State for Toponymy and Urban Organization (SEATOU) will soon continue the expansion project for 200 households in Tasi-Tolu, which have already been marked and included in administrative expenditures. This follows the completion of expansion work from Culuhun to Fatu-Ahi.
The Secretary of State for Toponymy and Urban Organization, Germano Santa Brites Dias, stated that in the near future, the 200 marked households in Tasi-Tolu will receive administrative support.
“Before the Pope’s visit to Timor-Leste last year to celebrate mass at the holy altar in Tasi-Tolu, we cleaned up the area and built the altar for the mass. Recently, we were continuing to clear the area to prepare for a potential funeral mass for the Pope,” said the Secretary of State to journalists in Moris Foun village, Komoro suco, this week.
He explained that the solution for the 200 marked households will proceed once the road expansion from Culuhun to Fatu-Ahi is completed. The expansion work will then continue in other marked areas, as the mandate of the XI Government still has two to three years left. Therefore, works will follow existing plans and programs.
“According to the XI Government’s program through SEATOU, we will continue the existing work. These services must be carried out carefully and progressively to avoid misunderstandings regarding land matters,” said the Secretary of State.
He acknowledged that although some communities have not cooperated regarding construction near the Tasi-Tolu altar, the government has issued warnings that any construction in that area may be subject to removal as expansion is planned for the near future.
“Those in the community who were evicted have already received compensation and must now find safer places to rebuild their homes in order to avoid risks. If communities continue to build in restricted areas despite warnings, SEATOU will demolish those homes, and they will lose their belongings as the government only provides support once,” he emphasized.
He added that once money is spent in risky areas, it becomes problematic, as the government already has complete data and will strictly control such activities. Currently, the government has provided assistance, so communities are urged not to continue building in risky or government-restricted areas.
Further explaining, the Secretary of State for Toponymy and Urban Organization, together with a joint team, continues working in the capital Dili and all municipalities to develop the interior areas of the country. He called on all communities to accompany and cooperate with the state in implementing development projects across the territory.
According to observations by journalists in the field, SEATOU, in cooperation with a joint team, is actively working on infrastructure such as drainage, roads, and public space expansion in Dili. This is part of broader efforts to promote development in Timor-Leste.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano