Dili, November 26, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The company Irmão Sandobe Unipesoal, Lda has officially handed over the newly rehabilitated Passenger Terminal Building at the Port of Dili to the Government of Timor-Leste.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister and Acting Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, who is also the current Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, he participated in the ceremony to formally receive the fully rehabilitated passenger terminal.
“This event marks a concrete step by the Government in its commitment to improving the maritime transport sector, ensuring better services for our citizens. The rehabilitation of this terminal will now be handed over to the Port Authority of Timor-Leste, APORTIL, to guarantee a safe, adequate space for passengers traveling to Oecusse and Atauro, as well as tourists arriving through urgent maritime routes that embark from Tibar Port,” said the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu.
The Minister further stated that the rehabilitation also provides improved working space for APORTIL staff to better serve the public.
“This initiative is part of the IX Constitutional Government’s efforts, under the leadership of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, to modernize infrastructure, improve national connectivity, and promote various economic activities. It ensures that regions such as Atauro and Oecusse remain well-connected through quality transport services,” he added.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to all parties who contributed to the completion of the rehabilitation project, including the contractors, technical teams, APORTIL, and everyone who supported the process.
Meanwhile, a representative of Irmão Sandobe Unipesoal, Lda, Augusto da Costa Soares, acknowledged that the rehabilitation faced delays due to strong winds at the site and the need to import heavy materials from overseas.
“The rehabilitation was slightly delayed because some materials had to be brought from abroad, and secondly, the area is very windy. We faced serious challenges on the roof of the building, and we did not want to risk the safety of our workers,” said Augusto da Costa at the Port of Dili.
The project costs approximately $500,000. While companies typically seek profit, he emphasized that for their company, quality comes first, and the rehabilitation was carried out to a high and satisfactory standard.
Report: Tomas
Photo: Tomas