Dili, May 7, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Government, through the Secretary of State for Toponymy, Organization and Urban Affairs (SEATOU), has officially begun relocating the flood-affected community from Moris-Foun Village, who have been temporarily sheltering at the Tasi-Tolu quarantine site, to their respective permanent locations. The relocation process began on Monday this week.
Secretary of State for Toponymy, Organization and Urban Affairs, Germano Santa Brites Dias, explained that the objective of relocating the affected community to their respective residences follows a joint team visit along with the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) to discuss with the community at the Tasi-Tolu quarantine site last Friday.
“In relation to their belongings and homes, although they were destroyed by the flood, the government’s responsibility remains. MOP’s joint team is working to prepare the financial reports so that funds can be transferred directly to each person’s bank account,” said Secretary of State Germano Santa Brites Dias.
He explained that SEATOU’s role in this process was to bring the community to the Tasi-Tolu quarantine center for temporary shelter, but that this was a short-term solution. Eventually, residents must return to individual locations as SEATOU has no emergency fund to provide direct cash assistance during discussions with the community about moving out.
“Our joint team is working hard, and everyone must cooperate with the team in the field. Although only SEATOU, MOP, and MSSI are the visible government bodies handling this, other teams are involved too, reinforcing our coordination, particularly with Dili Market Management,” the Secretary added.
He addressed critics seeking to interfere with the work of government staff, asking them not to disrupt the ongoing process. If some feel uncomfortable with how things are managed on the ground, they are encouraged to bring the matter to the National Parliament for resolution.
“The joint team has already conducted assessments, and all residents have expressed their desire to return either to their municipalities or other parts of Dili, including Tasi-Tolu, Masilidun, Comoro, Bairro Pite, and Becora. For those who own land or houses within Dili, the government is providing small vehicles to assist with transportation. For those returning to municipalities, larger vehicles are being arranged to take them to their designated locations,” he explained.
He further informed that the community currently residing in the Tasi-Tolu quarantine center must begin vacating the site starting today through tomorrow, as the location is a government-owned facility in Dili reserved for future emergency responses, such as flooding or road expansion projects. Until permanent relocation is arranged, this facility is used temporarily.
One of the affected community members, Jaimito dos Santos, stated that as a flood victim, he and others will remain at the site until they receive and sign their compensation agreements. Only then will they leave for their homes or return to their municipalities.
“We are ready to cooperate with the government. Once we are notified to vacate the Moris-Foun area, we will do so and support national development. However, we continue to wait for our compensation from the government,” said Jaimito dos Santos.
He added that the community is basing its decision on previous dialogues that compensation must be received before relocation. Many families are still waiting and have not yet received it. But since the community has already signed the acceptance terms, they are now ready to vacate, and the government must prepare the transportation to bring each person to their respective destination.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano