Dili, October 28, 2026 (Média Democracia) – President of the Dili Municipal Authority (PAM), Francisco dos Santos, informed that the capacity of space for burial in Bekusi Cemetery is almost limited, and predicts that the maximum capacity will be reached in November 2026. administrative, technical and operational to start the functioning of the Metinaro Cemetery, to ensure the availability of space for burial in the future.
According to the explanation of Fransisco dos Santos, the condition of the Bekusi Cemetery which has entered the critical phase may affect the availability of new burial sites in the Municipality of Dili.
“Bekusi Cemetery is currently in a critical phase, because the capacity of space available for burial is almost limited. It is expected that the maximum capacity of the cemetery will be reached in November 2026. This condition is very worrying, because it may hinder the availability of new burial sites in Musi Dili,” said Francis Dili. dos Santos, in a press conference held at the PAM hall, Wednesday (28/10).
He added that to respond to this situation, WFP continues to work with relevant entities to accelerate preparations for the operation of the Metinaro Cemetery, to respond to the needs of the community in the present and future.
“PAM continues to work with relevant entities to accelerate administrative, technical and operational preparations for the start of Metinaro Cemetery, to respond to the current and future needs of the community. This is to increase the capacity of space for burial and avoid problems that may arise due to space limitations in cemeteries,” he said.
In addition, the municipal leader asked the community to consider reusing existing graves or family fields, provided that they must obtain authorization from WFP and comply with the rules in force.
“PAM may authorize, at the request of the family and the rules in force, to reuse the existing grave or family field to bury the recently deceased family member. This measure applies to the Bekusi Cemetery, Bidau Santa Ana and Cacaulidun, with respect for the dignity of the dead and compliance with sanitary norms and legal provisions,” he explained.
On the other hand, Fransisco dos Santos also asked families who want to transfer the remains of family members from one cemetery to another, including to another municipality, to first request authorization from WFP and comply with legal and sanitary procedures in force.
These measures are considered important to help manage space limitations in public cemeteries and ensure that community needs for burial can be appropriately addressed.
Reporting: Octaviana da Costa
Photo: Pedrito dos Santos