Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Ministry of Finances Building
May 14 2012 marks another important milestone for the Ministry of Finance with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 10-storey high Ministry of Finances Building in Aitarak Laran. The project’s site is located across from the President Palace.
In attendance were state officials, development partners, representatives of the Church, staff members from the Ministry of Finances and representatives from the contracting company, PP Persero.
The ceremony began with a traditional ceremonial rite by the “lian na’in” (traditional experts). This was followed by a prayer by Priest Antonio Alves. These rites commemorate opening ceremonies to bless and safeguard the building’s construction and its future utilization according to local tradition.
In her speech the Minister of Finances, Ms. Emilia Pires, briefly informed the attendees about the MOF’s achievements since the AMP Government took office on August 7, 2007. Minister Pires highlighted this new MOF building as one of the ministry’s achievements and said it represents one of AMP’s legacies to the next government. Minister Pires then explained the administrative process that led to the design and subsequent construction award for the new MOF edifice. She said that “After a long and competitive international bidding process, the Ministry was able to find a suitable company from Indonesia by the end of 2011“ and that it was “one which met the ministry’s expectations in terms of price and quality requirements.”
Minister Pires underlined that the 10-storey building will be the tallest building in the country, and expressed her hopes that it would become a prestigious icon for Timor-Leste. Once completed, the new Ministry of Finance building will consist of several modern and efficient offices, several multifunctional areas, a cafeteria, a basement where it will host IT equipment to support e-Public Financial Management and a rooftop garden. The total area is of 14,060 square meters. The building has been designed as a Green-Ship Building with Golden Category. Construction is expected to be completed within an 18-month period.
She added that the office will be well equipped with modern systems and rooms to create a comfortable environment for the ministry’s staff better serve the nation with a client service orientation.
“As we proceed today to formally start with the construction of the new MoF building, let us also be reminded again of the rallying slogan that we all adopted since the year 2010 – “Goodbye Conflict, Welcome Development!” It was due to the absence of conflict and the preservation of peace in the country that enabled us to pursue development work such as the construction of this building. And it is our desire that such conditions shall remain in the country and be sustained forever to support the long-term development that we all want for our People and for our beloved Country.
