Dili, 01 May 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) held a ceremony for the establishment of the Municipal Directorates of Transport and Communications in five municipalities: Aileu, Ainaro, Ermera, Liquiça, and Manatuto. The ceremony took place in the MTC hall in Caicoli, Dili, this Tuesday.
The Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Manetelo, stated that today’s ceremony completes the XI Government’s program to establish municipal directorates in preparation for decentralization.
“Today we complete the establishment in the five municipalities that, until now, did not have a Municipal Service Directorate for Transport and Communications. This was based on a dispatch from the Public Function, and we appointed five directors so they can carry out their duties in Aileu, Ainaro, Ermera, Liquiça, and Manatuto,” said Minister Miguel Manetelo.
The Minister added that the appointments are similar to a service commission mandate, starting on 31 April and ending on 31 December. Depending on future possibilities, there may be merit-based recruitment or an extension by the Public Function for an additional six months. For now, the initial mandate runs from 30 April to 31 December 2025.
Meanwhile, Faustino Soares, the representative of the National Directorate of Land Transport (DNTT) in Ermera, expressed his happiness for receiving this opportunity as a Timorese civil servant entrusted by the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
“I feel very happy because the Minister has placed his trust in me. In the future, I will manage the National Directorate of Land Transport in Ermera Municipality in accordance with the existing regulations. I will also cooperate with the President of the Municipal Authority and other ministerial lines so that, as a new directorate, we can proactively coordinate with PNTL, especially on matters related to vehicles and motorcycles,” said Faustino Soares.
He added that he is confident that in the future he will work diligently to monitor public and private transportation in Ermera Municipality, so that the community can better understand the operations of the DNTT directorate.
“My initial work plan will begin with inspecting vehicles and motorcycles to check route licenses and ensure they follow the rules. Anyone in violation will be fined and required to pay into the state treasury. In this initial period, I will focus on this plan and later review issues related to driving licenses. However, we must proceed gradually because the area is large, so we can implement the plan effectively,” he explained.
He emphasized that from April to December, the work will focus on two key areas: issuing driving licenses and route licenses, and handling the renewal of vehicle documents (STKN). When people buy vehicles or motorcycles, they will use the name of a registered dealer with the proper authority for the renewal process.
He further explained that the DNTT in Ermera Municipality will work hard to monitor vehicles and motorcycles that do not follow regulations. Some individuals still use unregistered vehicles or the same vehicle for multiple uses. Therefore, the DNTT will coordinate with PNTL to carry out awareness campaigns and provide notices to ensure that all citizens comply with the rules.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano