Dili, September 16, 2026 (Media Democracia) – Community to be affected by the construction project of the São João Paulo II Stadium, Tasi-Tolu, Joanico Sebastião da Costa, asks the Government through the Ministry of Education to create a mechanism for students who live and go to school in the area to be affected by the project, so they can continue to have access to education and not suffer negative impacts from the relocation process.
“We ask the Government, through the Ministry of Education, to find a mechanism to deal with the small children who go to school in the Tasi-Tolu area, but who will be affected by this project, so that they can move with dignity and not face pressure,” said Joanico in an intervention during a dialogue held at the MBX Headquarters, Tasi-Tolu, Tuesday (09/15).
This concern was raised in relation to the construction process of the new international-standard stadium and indoor futsal field in the Tasi-Tolu area. The affected community asks the Government, especially the Ministry of Education, to create a mechanism that can guarantee that students living in the affected area continue to have their right to education.
Joanico prefers that the Government, when the eviction process takes place, first create a safe temporary place for the children, so that the moving process doesn’t interrupt their school time. According to him, if the Government moves the community from the area to be used for the stadium construction, the children may also need to change schools.
Meanwhile, the Secretary of State for Land and Property, Jaime Xavier Lopes, said that a joint team will identify the students who live in the area to be affected by the project.
“We will carry out identification, which children in this house go to school where and in that house go to school where, so we can ensure they continue their learning process,” he said.
He affirmed that he will coordinate with the Ministry of Education to look into and handle this matter, so as to facilitate students, including those who may need to move to other municipalities.
“Therefore, I say, for Timor to move forward it needs education. So, for university students, they can look for another place to live and continue their studies. But, especially for children in basic education, this is what we will look for some mechanism for. If they move, we will ask the Ministry of Education to facilitate,” he concluded.
Journalist: Estefánia Cardoso
Photo: Estefánia Cardoso