More than 20 of the 46 Traditional Homes Covered by the Government’s “Habitação Digna” Programme Have Already Been Rebuilt
The Vice-Prime Minister and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino, inspected on September 13th, 2026, the reconstruction works on 46 traditional houses in Loro hamlet, Suai Loro village, Covalima Municipality, where more than 20 homes have already been rebuilt under the “Habitação Digna” (Decent Housing) programme.
Launched in January this year by the Ministry of Rural Development and Community Housing, the initiative aims to improve living conditions for families while preserving the traditional characteristics of the dwellings and the community's cultural identity.
During the visit, the Vice-Prime Minister, accompanied by the Director-General of Rural Development, Filipe Cardoso Vieira, monitored the progress of the works and the programme's implementation alongside the local community.
The traditional houses of Suai Loro, known in Tetum Terik as “Laleo Masin”, are built using local materials and using traditional techniques. The project targets homes that have deteriorated over time and lack adequate living conditions.
According to the technical team from the Directorate-General for Housing, more than 20 of the 46 planned houses have already been rebuilt. Works are set to continue throughout 2026 until the remaining homes are completed.
Each house measures approximately seven by six metres, and the reconstruction preserves the traditional design, using locally sourced materials.
During the visit, community members expressed their gratitude to the Government for the initiative, highlighting its role in preserving traditional architecture.
Agusto da Costa, a resident of this village, noted that “this programme is very important for the entire community of Loro hamlet, as the majority of the population lives in traditional houses. Some of these homes were no longer in good condition, and through this intervention by the Ministry, they are now being restored.”
Agusto da Costa also emphasised the cultural dimension of the initiative: “As the new generation of Loro hamlet, we believe this programme helps preserve our heritage and keep our true identity alive for future generations.”
The reconstruction of the 46 houses is part of the Ministry of Rural Development and Community Housing’s “Habitação Digna” programme and is expected to be completed within the current year.
