At his trip to Same, in order to present the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), the Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão was welcomed by the District Administrator of Manufahi, Filomeno Tilman, who offered him with the traditional custom of Same. The welcoming ceremony was held near the bridge of Ai-Asa, Simpangtiga, where two children recited poetry.

This was followed by applause and acclaim, together with traditional dances in honour to the Head of the Executive and his entourage (including the Secretary of State for Livestock, Valentino Varela, and the Japan Ambassador, Iwao Kitahara). Before the flag hoisting ceremony, Xanana Gusmão, with the traditional custom, visited the monument of D. Boaventura. He was walked by the children of Letefoho with traditional dances.

“I am thrilled to be with you today to celebrate the Restoration of Independence Day” stated the Prime Minister that, during his speech, reminded D. Boaventura, who started developing the fight for independence against the colonialism back in 1912.

At the explanation session of the NSDP, the Sub-district Administrator of Same spoke about the geographical aspects of his region, comprised by 55 Villages, with 30.860 people, mainly devoted to agriculture and entrepreneurial life.

The local authorities, coming from Eight Sucos, set out their concerns, underlining the bridge infrastructures that connect the sucos to the capital of Manufahi, allowing the transport of local products to the Market, the need of installing Solar Panels in the rural areas, the construction of council housing, “Drumband”, rural roads, drinking water, electricity and irrigation from the stream Karau-ulun, in Betano.

The Prime Minister answered that “the NSDP is due to a data survey done between 2001 and 2002. The requests submitted by the people focused upon the need for electricity, good housing, drinking water, school, roads, bridges and health centres”. In 2003, a Book appeared containing the Plan until 2020. However, being considered a very short term, it was extended until 2030, “reason why I came to you to organise a consultation on the NSDP, before it is submitted to the National Parliament”, stated the Prime Minister.

The District Administrator of Manufahi, Filomeno Tilman, declared, on the behalf of the local authorities, that this was the first time, in the District’s history, that the Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, as the sponsor of development and National Liberation, commanded the flag hoisting ceremony, at the Restoration of Independence Day, 20th of May.

“This means that the Prime Minister is decided to go forward with the fight of our ancestors to set our people free from the enemy’s claws, and that we are here today to assess the NSDP in favour of the People’s liberation from the claws of anger and suffering”, defended the District Administrator of Same.