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Díli, June 11, 2013
Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on June 11, 2013
The Council of Ministers met this Tuesday, June 11, 2013, in the Council of Ministers Meeting Room at the Government Palace in Díli, and approved the following:
1. Topographic Mapping Project for Timor-Leste
The Council of Ministers considers it important to create a technological mapping system for the national territory. This topographic map will be critical for planning projects in various sectors such as natural resources, industry, infrastructure, demographics, environment, among others.
2. World Bank loan for the Road Rehabilitation Project
The rehabilitation of the road linking Dili to Ainaro, which is essential for the economic development of the country, will be financed with a loan from the World Bank, reflecting the State Budget for 2013 approved by the National Parliament.
3. FreeBalance Contract for 2013
The contract with FreeBalance Inc. (that has supported the Financial Management Information System and IT solutions to Timor-Leste since 2000) has renewed for this year.
The contract for this year includes project adjustments foreseen in the Strategic Development Plan and in the Administrative Decentralization Project planned for this year. Thus, in addition to the Financial Management Information System, FreeBalance Inc. will develop the necessary IT adaptations for the implementation of the Administrative Decentralization Project, and training on these new models.
The Council of Ministers also analysed:
1. Damage caused by bad weather in Baucau, Viqueque and Manufahi
On June 6, torrential rains swept over the eastern area of Timor-Leste, especially affecting Baucau, Viqueque and Manufahi. The weather raised the water level of the streams in Baucau and Watulari, causing substantial material damage to properties in the area.
Teams from the District Disaster Committee, including members of PNTL and F-FDTL, promptly responded to the emergency, supporting the evacuation of the population at risk. Medical assitance was also provided by the District Health Department, drinking water by the Fire Department. On June 7, the Minister of Social Solidarity, accompanied by her Deputy Minister, visited these areas and distributed humanitarian aid to the affected families. An inter-ministerial team composed by representatives from the Ministry of Social Solidarity and the Secretariat of State for Professional Training and Employment Policy is providing ongoing support.