Dili, April 30, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Civil Protection Authority (APC), through the Secretary of State for Civil Protection, distributed building materials and cash subsidies to communities affected by natural disasters in 2023. The activity took place at the APC Hall in Caicoli, Dili, on Tuesday.
The Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Domingos Mariano Reis, stated that it is the APC’s responsibility to assist in the recovery process of communities impacted by natural disasters across the country.
“Today we are here to carry out an operation to support the victims, starting from Lospalos to Oe-Cusse. This week, we recovered 497 victims, categorized into three levels of housing damage: 104 totally destroyed, 69 moderately damaged, and 311 slightly damaged. We are distributing construction materials so families can rebuild their homes, and they are also entitled to receive labor subsidies and transportation assistance, enabling them to live in dignity just like other citizens,” said Secretary Reis.
He further explained that the total budget allocated for the 497 victims amounts to USD 354,950, which is being distributed to 417 family heads. Similar support is also being provided in other municipalities such as Aileu and Ainaru, with APC leadership present at those locations to oversee the operations.
“From the total of 497 victims, we have allocated a total of 354,950 US dollars, with 417 family heads receiving support that’s what we are here for today. Last week, I was in Aileu with the APC President, and today I’m here while the APC President is in Lospalos to assess the situation,” said the Secretary of State for Civil Protection.
In addition, the Secretary of State for Civil Protection further explained that currently there are seven affected households, categorized into three types. He also requested local authorities to carry out monitoring for victims affected by the disaster.
“We have seven affected households in three categories: one with total damage, one with partial damage, and five with minor damage. The families are receiving materials and a small cash subsidy, even if it’s limited this is the government’s current support for you, as a form of solidarity. It is the government’s responsibility and moral duty through the XI Constitutional Government, and we ask the families to begin rebuilding their homes,” he stated.
He also requested the village chiefs, village leaders, and the PNTL commander, particularly the deputy commander, to instruct officers to monitor and supervise the beneficiaries when receiving the materials, ensuring they build homes in safe areas away from future disaster risks.
On the other hand, Francisco Correia dos Santos, a victim of the 2023 disaster, expressed his sincere gratitude to the Secretary of State for Civil Protection (APC) and his team. Although support took some time, as a disaster victim, he still appreciated the attention received.
“We are very thankful to APC and the entire team that conducted the verification of the natural disaster that occurred in 2023. Although it took a while, we, as a community, are very grateful that our cries were heard and our condition was seen. We truly appreciate the Secretary of State and his verification team, because at the time we were struck by the disaster, they came directly to assess the impact,” said Francisco Correia dos Santos at the APC office in Caicoli.
The community of disaster victims also mentioned that the materials and subsidies received from the government are part of its responsibility to support the rebuilding of their homes.
“The materials and subsidies we received as announced today by the operations commander and verification team will be delivered together with the local authorities who will come to oversee the distribution. We won’t waste anything but will use everything to build a new house in a proper and safe location where we can live with dignity,” added Francisco Correia dos Santos.
He further suggested that the APC and its entire team must also pay attention to other municipalities, not only Dili, because there are communities in rural areas who also suffer from disasters but are unable to report them due to lack of local authority presence or proper communication with APC. This way, other communities could also receive support.
He further explained the role of the Secretary of State for Civil Protection in the recovery of disaster victims, pointing to April 4, 2021, as a major reference for Timor-Leste. According to a World Bank report, the country lost approximately 45 million US dollars and 35 lives due to floods.
Reporting: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano